Marcal Lazenby serves as Vice President of Student Life and Athletics at Saint Leo University. He was promoted to the position in September 2026, expanding his executive leadership responsibilities while continuing to lead Saint Leo Athletics.
In his expanded role, Lazenby oversees the newly established Student Life Division, which includes Residential Life, Student Engagement and Leadership, Campus Ministry, Student Conduct, the Center for Student Wellbeing, the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program, campus dining, and other areas supporting the overall student experience.
“Marcal brings a deep commitment to our students and to creating a connected campus culture,” said Saint Leo University President Dr. Jim Burkee.
Lazenby previously served as Vice President of Athletics and Wellness after being elevated to the vice president level in May 2025. He became Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation in November 2023 after initially serving in an interim capacity. He has been a member of the Saint Leo University community since joining the Athletics staff in August 2017.
Since assuming leadership of Saint Leo Athletics, Lazenby has guided a period of significant growth focused on competitive success, enrollment, facilities, fundraising, student engagement, and the overall student athlete experience.
The 2025 through 2026 academic year marked one of the most successful periods in Saint Leo Athletics history. Eight Lion programs were nationally ranked during the spring, including the No. 1 ranked softball program. On June 3, 2026, Saint Leo softball captured the first NCAA Division II National Championship in program history, completing a historic 54 win season. Academically, 246 Saint Leo student athletes were named to the Sunshine State Conference Spring Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Lazenby has also led an expansion of athletic opportunities at Saint Leo. He championed the return of men’s and women’s cross country and track and field, expanded junior varsity and reserve programs, and helped establish women’s flag football.
The return of track and field was accompanied by construction of the first official track in Saint Leo history. The eight lane, 400 meter facility opened in January 2026 and provides Saint Leo student athletes with an on campus training and competition venue while creating opportunities for the University to host future collegiate and high school events.
Facility development has remained a major priority under Lazenby’s leadership. Saint Leo completed three new locker rooms serving approximately 120 student athletes, expanded facility branding and signage, and advanced several major naming initiatives, including Mary Cannon Cabot Stadium, Pete Biscardi Field, Pete & Linda Biscardi Court, and Jody Luihn Family Stadium.
The department also installed a new Athletics Hall of Fame display inside the Marion Bowman Activities Center and introduced a multimedia floor projection system to enhance player introductions, special events, championship celebrations, and the overall game day atmosphere.
Central to Lazenby’s vision has been his creation of the One Pride All In! theme. He developed the message to create greater unity, accountability, energy, and pride throughout Saint Leo Athletics. The theme has grown beyond Athletics and reflects his broader belief that students are more likely to succeed when they feel connected, supported, and part of the University community.
Under his leadership, Athletics has expanded school spirit and campus engagement through Moonlight Madness, pep rallies, Lions Bash, bonfire events, community nights, alumni activities, and other initiatives designed to bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and the surrounding community together.
Fundraising has also reached new levels. Lazenby created Casino Night, which has grown into one of Saint Leo Athletics’ signature annual fundraising events. The 2025 Lions Legacy Campaign raised a record $264,336, surpassing its $200,000 goal and supporting more than 700 Saint Leo student athletes. Athletics has also expanded corporate sponsorships, alumni engagement, community partnerships, and facility naming opportunities.
Lazenby’s leadership extends beyond Saint Leo. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and is serving a two year term from 2026 through 2028 as Chair of the Sunshine State Conference Athletic Directors and Senior Woman Administrators Committee.
Prior to Saint Leo, Lazenby spent nine years at his alma mater, Glenville State. He served in several administrative roles before being elevated to Director of Athletics in 2016, becoming the first African American Athletic Director in school history.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Lazenby was a starting offensive guard at Glenville State, earning three All Conference selections and All Region honors. He was a member of the Pioneers’ 2008 WVIAC Conference Championship team and graduated from Glenville State in December 2008.
Lazenby’s leadership philosophy centers on creating opportunities, building relationships, raising expectations, and helping students develop a lasting connection to their university community. His One Pride All In! philosophy continues to serve as a foundation for the culture he is building throughout Saint Leo University.
