Bio

David Manning has been named the 5th Director of Athletics in the University’s 51-year athletic department history, following Dr. Dick Damron, Randy Kirk, Bruce Dixon, and most recently, Corey Fipps. During his 25-year coaching career, he has coached high school football in Central and Eastern Kentucky as well as girls softball and has been involved with KCU athletics for five years by assisting in football and softball recruiting.

He believes that creating and fostering a Christ-centered environment where all students, student-athletes, coaches, families, and fans are shown the love of Christ can have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on many lives.  Personally, Manning believes it is his mission to provide a strong witness for Christ and act as a consistent, kind, and loving model in the lives of those God puts in his path. Acts 20:24 sums up his thoughts concerning this approach – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”

Manning has deep NAIA roots beginning with his college football career at Campbellsville University. He transferred to Ashford University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Education. Manning then went on to the University of the Cumberlands where he earned his Special Education master’s degree. He then achieved his Rank One, Director of Special Education certification from Morehead State University.

David and his family are members of the First Church of Christ in Grayson, where he serves as a deacon.  He and his wife, Brandi, share their daughter, Audrey, son, Nate, and are watched over from Heaven by their firstborn son, Dawson. David was raised in Mt Sterling, Ky, prior to moving to Grayson with his family in 2005.  Brandi is a native of Grayson and works in her hometown as a physician assistant in primary care.