FORT SMITH - A man who seemingly has a wealth of experience at the college and high school levels of sports will be the new Athletic Director for the Fort Smith Public Schools. Michael Beaumont comes to the district from the University of Tennessee, where he is the Director of Basketball Operations.
““I am very excited to be part of the Fort Smith Schools program, which is so rich in history, pride, and tradition,” Beaumont said on Monday. “I know the district has excellent teachers, leaders, and coaches. I feel truly humbled and blessed to join the Fort Smith team.”
Prior to his work at Tennessee, Beaumont was the Director of Football Operations under Houston Nutt at Ole Miss from 2008-2012, after serving in similar responsibilities at the University of Arkansas. At Arkansas, he served as the academic counselor for the football team. Beaumont also served as the liaison between the faculty and the athletic department. He assisted in the management of tutors, mentors and learning specialist for his student-athletes with zero academic casualties.
Additionally, he worked with camps and on-campus/official visits during recruiting. At Arkansas, Beaumont, had the opportunity to be a part of a team that enjoyed an SEC West Championship in 2006 and back-to-back January 1 bowls in 2006 and 2007. His student athletes included current NFL stars Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Peyton Hillis.
He has also been on the staff of both Lincoln and Mountain View High Schools. At Lincoln, he served as assistant athletic director in addition to teaching from 2001-06. As the head baseball coach, he led his team to the 1-AAA conference championship in 2004 and was voted by his peers as the 2004 Conference Coach of the Year. The defensive coordinator on the high school football staff, he was the head coach of the junior high squad and guided Lincoln to the 2005 conference title championship on the football field
Beaumont steps into the role previously occupied by Darren McKinney, who was reassigned earlier this year.
