COLUMBUS, Ga. | Columbus State University Director of Athletics Justin Hay has announced the hiring of Eli Stone as the Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Generation. The newly created position reflects the department's continued commitment to expanding corporate partnerships, developing innovative revenue opportunities, and enhancing resources for its student-athletes and programs. Stone joins the Cougars after serving as Assistant Director of the Bears Club at Lenoir-Rhyne University. He will officially begin his role on August 1st.
"We are excited to welcome Eli to Columbus State and our athletics administrative team," said Hay. "Eli brings valuable experience in revenue generation, facility rentals, donor engagement, and event operations. His energy, creativity, and relationship-driven approach will be tremendous assets as we continue to grow our corporate partnerships, expand external revenue opportunities, and enhance the experience for our student-athletes and supporters."
In his new role, Stone will oversee Columbus State Athletics' revenue initiatives focused on corporate sponsorships, facility rentals, camps and clinics, special events, and the development of new revenue opportunities. He will lead the department's comprehensive athletics sponsorship program while collaborating with campus partners to create, package, and sell institutional and athletic assets.
Stone will also manage the external use of athletics facilities, expand camp and community-based programming, and assist with Cougar Club hospitality, donor engagement, and premium game-day experiences.
Stone most recently served as Assistant Director of the Bears Club at Lenoir-Rhyne. In that role, he helped cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and supporters while supporting strategic events, membership growth, and philanthropic goals. During his tenure, the Bears Club executed an 80-day membership campaign that generated more than $320,000 through new and returning members. Stone also helped execute the Bears Club Spring Raffle, which raised more than $54,000 and surpassed the previous year's record.
"I could not be more excited to join Columbus State Athletics and the Cougar family!" said Stone. "I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I am eager to work alongside our outstanding coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters. I look forward to creating meaningful opportunities that elevate the student-athlete and fan experience, strengthen our partnerships, and build on the tradition of excellence that defines Cougar Athletics."
Before joining the Bears Club, Stone served as Lenoir-Rhyne's Director of Athletic Operations, where he oversaw the university's athletic facilities and led game-day operations for all 23 NCAA sports. Stone helped generate more than $45,000 through facility rentals, including $25,000 from hosting two NCHSAA Football Championship games and the NCHSAA Western Regional Basketball Championships.
Stone also managed contractual agreements involving hospitality, sponsorships, and promotions, oversaw box office operations, and worked with campus and external partners to enhance fan engagement and the student experience.
He initially joined Lenoir-Rhyne as a Graduate Assistant for Facilities and Game Day Operations, where he coordinated game-day operations with an emphasis on delivering value to sponsors and partners, supervised a team of 18 interns, and maintained facility scheduling systems.
Before joining Lenoir-Rhyne, Stone spent three seasons as a student equipment manager for the Appalachian State football program. He also gained experience with Appalachian State Athletics as a marketing intern and strategic communications assistant.
A native of Millers Creek, North Carolina, Stone earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a minor in Sport Science and Coaching from Appalachian State University in December 2023. He is expected to complete his Master of Arts in Leadership from Lenoir-Rhyne in December 2026.
