Dr. Magdi El Shahawy joined University of San Diego Athletics in January 2025 as the department's Associate Athletic Director for Academics.
In this role, he leads the athletic academic counseling team in their efforts to provide academic advising and support services for USD’s student-athletes enabling all to maximize their academic experiences and achieve their goal of graduation with a meaningful degree.
Prior to USD, Dr. El Shahawy spent 30 years working in intercollegiate athletic administration at four NCAA Division I institutions, most recently as Deputy Athletic Director for Student Athlete Support Services at the University of Georgia (2018-2023). At UGA Dr. El Shahawy had administrative oversight for Student Athlete Academic Services, Mental Health and Performance, Sports Nutrition, and The Georgia Way program aimed at developing student-athletes in their personal growth, career planning & placement, leadership, Diversity & Inclusion training, and facilitating community service opportunities for student-athletes. In addition, during his time at UGA, Dr. El Shahawy also served as sport administrator for UGA’s Baseball, Cross Country, and Track programs while also serving as a member on the NCAA’s Committee on Academics from 2021-2023.
Prior to UGA, Dr. El Shahawy served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Southern California, where he had administrative oversight for Student Athlete Academic Services, Student-Athlete Personal Development, and the Athlete Career Transition Program. He was also the sport administrator for baseball (2015-18), men’s and women’s track and field (2011-2018), and men’s volleyball (2007-15). During his 18 years (2000-2018) at USC, Dr. El Shahawy spearheaded several initiatives to help student-athletes succeed academically, grow as leaders, and aid in their career preparation. The graduation success rate for USC student-athletes steadily improved each year under his leadership, from 68% in 2000 to an all-time USC high of 90% in 2018. During his USC tenure he helped launch the Athlete Career Transition Program (ACT), the Student Athlete Health and Wellness Committee, the New Student Athlete and Parent Orientation, along with the creation of the Student Athlete Freshmen Success seminar. His tenure also saw USC’s athletic teams being among the nation’s leaders in the Academic Progress Rate (APR) and Graduation Success Rate (GSR) scores. Additionally, Dr. El Shahawy helped in the design of the Student-Athlete Academic Services portion of the John Mckay center that opened in 2012 and led the launch of the capital campaign for new locker rooms benefitting the student-athletes in the Track & Field program and the Colich Center, helping raise just over ten million dollars before departing in 2018.
Prior to USC, Dr. El Shahawy held positions as Senior Associate Director for Student Athlete Support Services at Michigan State (1999-2000), Academic Counselor and Eligibility Coordinator at Florida State (1994-99), and Graduate Assistant in Athletic Compliance at Florida State (1993-94). A four-year varsity football letterman at Florida State University (1986-89), Dr. El Shahawy received three degrees from FSU: BS in Economics and Political Science (1991), MS in Athletic Administration (1993), and PhD. In Athletic Administration (1999). He is a member at Journey of Faith Church and currently resides in Redondo Beach with his wife Wealthy, and three children Micah, Madison, and Mila.
