RALEIGH, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2020) – Umar Muhammad continues to make his mark at Saint Augustine's University (SAU).
This summer, Muhammad became a part of history as one of two head coaches on the inaugural SAU Cycling Team, which gained widespread acclaim from national media outlets, such as CNN, as the first and only HBCU cycling squad in the country.
His newest achievement was recently when Muhammad was appointed the new Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) at SAU.
"Our student-athletes have to manage their academic and athletic pursuits daily, but especially now during this pandemic and after, it becomes even more important to surround them with relationships that can support them." Muhammad said.
For nearly three years, Muhammad has been a sport management professor at SAU. Equally adept at working in both academics and athletics, he is a perfect fit for the FAR position.
Muhammad has extensive experience in sports marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, community partnership engagement, and local economic development in addition to caring about the welfare of the students and student-athletes in the classroom.
"Professor Muhammad is a very talented and gifted person that will be a valuable asset to the entire athletic department," said David Bowser, SAU's Interim Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. "He has a passion for supporting and connecting with student-athletes and coaches on a personal level to help them grow and excel."
Muhammad, a native of Durham, N.C, has an impressive background. Active in his hometown, he is involved with the Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention organization, the Durham Sports Commission Advisory Board and the North Carolina Central University Recreation Program Advisory Committee.
He is president and founder of a sports consulting business (USports Consulting) and was once the general manager of a professional basketball team – the Bull City Legacy - in the Tobacco Road Basketball League.
Highly educated, Muhammad graduated from North Carolina State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Aspects of Sport. He earned a Master of Science in Sport Management at North Carolina Central University in 2009.
Muhammad is currently pursuing his Doctor of Education degree in Sports Management from the U.S. Sports Academy, which named him student of the month in August 2020.
"I see our student-athletes as future leaders in this dynamic world, and in my role as FAR, I want to make sure they are prepared," Muhammad said.
Educational Background
B.S. – Psychological Aspects of Sport
North Carolina State University, 2003
M.S. – Sport Management
North Carolina Central University, 2009
Area(s) of Research
- Sports Heritage Tourism
- Small Market Sports Development
- Community Development Through Sporting Events
Certification(s)
Non-Profit Management, Duke University, 2008
Online Article(s)
Searching for the self-sufficient soul of basketball in the local semipro circuit
Conversation: Umar Muhammad
SAU Campus Organizations
Catalog Committee
Community Involvement
- Durham County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Member
- Durham Sports Commission Advisory Board Member
- NCCU Recreation Program Advisory Committee Member
- Durham History Hub
- Non-Profit Sports Club Consultant
Favorite Quote
Builders Are Respected, Beggars Are Rejected
