Danny Morrison has accomplished a lot in his career. What makes the current president of the Carolina Panthers stand out is that he credits all of the people in his life, especially his mentors, for his success. Each and every one of them has made a significant impact on his life and the vision he has had along the way.
It all began when Morrison decided to walk-on to the men's basketball team at Wofford College. There he met one of his mentors and the now-owner of the Carolina Panthers, Jerry Richardson. The two developed a strong bond that has lasted to this day. While at Wofford, Morrison was also introduced to another one of his mentors, Joe Lesesne. He took two of Dr. Lesesne's classes while in school, and just like Richardson, he deems Lesesne as one of the most influential people in his life.
After graduating from Wofford in 1975, Morrison returned to his high school alma mater in Burlington, N.C., where he coached basketball and taught geometry. During his four years there, he decided to pursue a Masters of Education in administration and supervision from the University of North Carolina.
Morrison remained in his native Burlington after that, but headed to Elon University where he held multiple positions. He was the assistant basketball coach, tennis coach and a math professor. Later, he transitioned into an administrative role and was named athletic director.
In 1985 he continued on his sports career path and headed back to his college alma mater, Wofford. Upon returning he was named the college's first full-time director of athletics. While at Wofford, Morrison hired Mike Ayers, head football coach, and current athletic director Richard Johnson. He also helped coordinate fundraising efforts that helped improve the facilities so that Wofford could host the Panthers training camp. On top of that, Morrison assisted in guiding the Terriers from NAIA to Division II to Division I-AA and membership in the Southern Conference.
Morrison then took the position of commissioner of the Southern Conference in 2001. While at the SoCon, he earned his doctorate in educational leadership from The University of South Carolina. He also created several important corporate partnerships and enhanced the conference's television schedule through various networks.
In 2005, Morrison accepted the position of director of athletics at Texas Christian University. There he directed the development of the athletics program into one of the most successful in the nation. It was also there in September 2009 that he received a call from mentor Richardson offering him the position he holds today as the president of the Carolina Panthers.
Morrison is responsible for the Panthers business operations and the Bank of America Stadium business interests. He got to where is today not only because of his hard work, but because of the impact that people have made along the way.