East Central Community College has found its new golf coach in Cody Clark, a Mississippi State University graduate who brings a wealth of tournament operations and player development experience to the program.

Clark earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a concentration in PGA Golf Management from Mississippi State in December 2023. Most recently, he served as Tournament Director for the Gulf States PGA in Hammond, Louisiana, where he coordinated more than 30 events annually, managed relationships with 50 sponsorship partners, and helped organize PGA Tour Qualifiers and Q-School alongside PGA Tour Rules Officials.

His path to that role included a PGA Level 3 internship with the PGA of America Championship Department in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he supported operations at six different spectator event locations, and an earlier stint as Tournament Manager with Gulf States PGA, during which he grew tournament participation by 15%.

When asked what drew him to East Central, Clark didn't hesitate. "The environment," he said. "The close relationship the college has with the kids. The commitment these kids have to this program makes me want to push forward in my own career."

For Clark, the job is about more than golf. "I want to help these kids grow and accomplish their goals. I want to create a family environment for these kids that they want to stay fully embraced in until they move on to better things."

Assistant Athletic Director Brooks Warren said the decision to hire Clark came down to fit — and it was clear early on he had it.

"What stood out to me about Cody Clark was how well he aligns with what we value at East Central," Warren said. "It was clear early on that he's committed not only to success on the course, but to developing our student-athletes as people."

For Warren, culture was a top priority in the search. He wanted someone who could continue the progress already made while keeping student-athletes at the center of everything — athletically, academically, and beyond.

East Central's motto, "With You In Mind," is more than a tagline, and Warren made clear that Clark embodies it. "Coach Clark reflects that in the way he presents himself and the character he demonstrates," he said. "We're confident he's the right fit to continue moving our golf program forward."

Warren also highlighted Clark's role in strengthening relationships across the region and beyond — within East Central's five-county district, across Mississippi, and at the national and international level.