Two additions to the administration were announced with the appointments of a new director of athletics and a new director of the Milligan Leadership Program. Communitywide emails revealed the appointments last Tuesday.
David Blackburn, a Morristown native, joins Milligan following an extensive career at major institutions across the state. He holds a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Tennessee. Most recently, he served at East Tennessee State University from 2022 to 2025, where he was general manager of revenue sports, overseeing fundraising initiatives and football operations.
Blackburn’s resume includes the University of Tennessee from 1993 to 2013. His career also includes leadership roles at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Middle Tennessee State University.
In the statement to the community President Stephen Waers emphasized that “David is a committed follower of Jesus who understands the power of sport to form student-athletes in character, discipline and virtue,” and highlighted his commitment to the “holistic development of student-athletes.”
The appointment brings an experienced leader to Milligan’s athletic department, which oversees 28 intercollegiate sports competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and the NAIA.
In another announcement, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Rich Aubrey introduced John Emmert as the new director of the Milligan Leadership Program. Emmert joins the university with a 25-year background in ministry, preaching and leadership development.
Emmert currently serves as the discipleship and programming lead minister at First Christian Church in Johnson City. His experience includes oversight of ministrywide discipleship, staff development and campus expansion. Previously, he served as lead pastor of Jefferson City Christian Church, where he focused on community partnerships and mentoring. Emmert holds a Bachelor of Arts in religion from Carson-Newman University and a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan.
Aubrey said in the announcement that “Emmert’s heart for the Church and passion for developing emerging leaders aligns closely with the mission of both the program and the university.”
Photo: Headshot of David Blackburn (Photo provided by Milligan PR)
