MONTREAT, N.C.— After faithfully serving at Montreat College for nearly 15 years, Jose Larios, Vice President of Athletics and Enrollment Management, has accepted a new role as the Vice President of Athletics at fellow Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) institution King University in Bristol, Tenn. His final day at Montreat College will be Aug. 1, 2025.
 
"Our department owes the Larios family a tremendous debt of gratitude for the many years they invested into the lives of our coaches, student-athletes and everyone associated with this special athletics department," said Director of Athletics Garrett Jones. "Jose's leadership and vision helped reestablish a strong, mission-driven athletics program that has a rich history of Christ-centered excellence. We wish him and his family the best as they transition from Montreat College."
 
Larios served as the head men's and women's cross country and track & field coach at Montreat College from 2007-11. Larios left Montreat to serve as the Director of Athletics at Emmanuel College in Georgia, but he felt the call back to the cove and returned as the Director of Athletics in May 2014. He was promoted to Vice President of Athletics and Enrollment Management in 2020, assuming leadership of athletics, admissions and student financial services.
 
"Jose's leadership has been instrumental to the college's transformation and growth. He has humbly grown our athletics department in both the number of programs and our competitiveness and overseen record traditional undergraduate enrollment growth," said President Paul J. Maurer. "He is tireless in his pursuit of excellence and has shaped a culture of extraordinary commitment and continual improvement within his departments. I'm deeply grateful that Jose and his wife Heather have dedicated so much of themselves to Montreat College. Their presence on our campus and community will be missed."
 
Since Larios' arrival, Montreat College has witnessed remarkable improvements in staffing positions, new facilities and upgrades, academic and athletic success, recruiting and retention. The college set a record for new student enrollment in Fall 2024 and is on track for another record number of new students for Fall 2025.
 
"As I reflect on the achievements and records, I have so much gratitude for the people—employees, students, alumni, parents and friends—who have contributed so much to our campus, and I am in awe of the ways God has blessed Montreat College," said Larios. "None of these accolades would have been possible without the commitment of the people He has called to wash feet at this special place. God is so faithful."
 
Larios led the planning and development of the McAlister Fitness Center renovation in 2015. He also planned and managed the construction of Montreat College's Athletic Complex and Pulliam Stadium on the Black Mountain Campus. He is currently overseeing the restoration of McAlister Hall and our athletics fields, which were damaged by Hurricane Helene.