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Verge Ausberry Biography
Brief Introduction of Verge Ausberry
Verge Ausberry is a distinguished figure in American collegiate athletics, currently serving as the Athletic Director at Louisiana State University (LSU). A former standout linebacker for the LSU Tigers football team, Ausberry has dedicated his professional life to the university’s athletic department, ascending through various administrative roles over more than three decades. His journey from a student-athlete to a top-level executive is a testament to his deep commitment to LSU. Ausberry is known for his comprehensive oversight of the athletic department, including sport administration, external relations, and strategic planning. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating the complexities of modern college sports, including coaching changes and the evolving landscape of student-athlete welfare. His extensive experience and unwavering dedication have made him a respected and influential leader within the LSU community and the broader world of collegiate sports.
Verge Ausberry Overview
| Full Name | Verge Samuel Ausberry II |
| Date of Birth | Information not publicly available |
| Age(as of 2025) | Information not publicly available |
| Birthplace | New Iberia, Louisiana, USA. |
| Profession | Athletic Director, Louisiana State University |
| Husband/Wife | Cheri Morial Ausberry. |
| Family | Father: Verge Samuel Ausberry, Sr., Mother: Audrey Welcome Ausberry. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Verge Ausberry
Verge Ausberry was born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana. Growing up, academics were heavily emphasized in his household, with his father serving as a Korean War veteran and a high school principal, and his mother as a parish school supervisor. He began playing football at the age of four in his neighborhood. Ausberry attended New Iberia Senior High School, where he excelled as an All-State linebacker. Despite growing up as a fan of the University of Oklahoma, he was recruited by LSU’s defensive-minded coach, Bill Arnsparger, which influenced his decision to play for the Tigers. Ausberry enrolled at Louisiana State University, where he would leave a significant mark both on and off the field. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1990. He continued his academic pursuits at LSU, obtaining a Master of Education in 1992 and a Specialist in Higher Education Administration in 2004. He is also a doctoral candidate in higher education administration.
Verge Ausberry’s Career
Verge Ausberry’s career is deeply intertwined with Louisiana State University, spanning roles as a student-athlete and a long-tenured administrator. As a middle linebacker for the LSU football team, he was a four-year letterwinner and the leading tackler for two years. His performance on the field contributed to two SEC championships and four bowl game appearances for the Tigers.
His professional career within the LSU Athletics Department began in 1991 as an intern in the compliance office. From there, he transitioned to an academic advisor for student-athletes, showcasing his commitment to their holistic development. He then moved into a development role with the Tiger Athletic Foundation.
Over the years, Ausberry’s responsibilities and titles grew, reflecting his increasing influence and expertise. He was promoted to Associate Athletics Director, then Senior Associate Athletics Director in 2006, and Deputy Athletics Director in 2015. In July 2019, he was named the Executive Deputy Director of Athletics and Executive Director of External Relations for the University. In this dual capacity, he was responsible for the athletic department’s daily operations and formalized planning while also assisting the Office of the President in external and governmental affairs.
His administrative oversight has been extensive, covering areas such as football, gymnastics, women’s basketball, and formerly men’s basketball and track & field. He has also managed corporate relations, marketing, game management, student-athlete life skills, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, and equipment.
A significant moment in his career came in October 2025, when he was named the Interim Director of Athletics. Shortly after, in November 2025, the “interim” tag was removed, and he was appointed the full-time Athletic Director by new LSU president Wade Rousse. This appointment placed him at the helm of an athletic department with a budget exceeding $200 million and tasked him with leading the search for a new head football coach.
Verge Ausberry Personal Life & Family
Verge Ausberry is married to Cheri Morial of New Orleans. The couple has two sons, Austin and Jaiden. Both sons have followed in their father’s athletic footsteps. Austin is a defensive back for Auburn, and Jaiden is a linebacker for Notre Dame. Ausberry’s father, Verge Samuel Ausberry, Sr., was a dedicated educator for 40 years, serving as a teacher and eventually as the Principal of New Iberia Freshman High School. His mother, Audrey Welcome Ausberry, also had a career in education as a parish school supervisor. The importance of education was a core value in his upbringing. Ausberry is a Christian, having been baptized at a young age at China Grove Baptist Church and later joining Mt. Zion Baptist Church #1, where his father served as a Deacon and church treasurer.
Awards and Achievements of Verge Ausberry
- LSU National L Club Distinguished Alumnus of the Year (2018).
- Part of two SEC championship teams as a player (1986 and 1988).
- As an administrator, has been part of 18 national championships at LSU.
Verge Ausberry Net Worth and Income
Verge Ausberry’s specific net worth is not publicly available. As a high-level executive at a major university athletic department, his income is substantial. According to his employment agreement as Executive Deputy Athletics Director, his base salary for the 2019-2020 fiscal year was $250,000. A more recent agreement shows an annualized sum of $260,000 for his role as Executive Director of External Relations alone. His compensation also includes various performance incentives. These include bonuses for the football team’s post-season participation, with a potential maximum of $90,000 per year, and incentives for the basketball teams’ post-season play. Additionally, he is eligible for an academic incentive of $15,000 if all LSU intercollegiate teams meet a certain Academic Progress Rate. His contract also includes a car allowance of up to $800 per month or the use of a courtesy vehicle.
Legacy and Influence
Verge Ausberry’s legacy is firmly cemented in the history of LSU Athletics. His journey from a standout player to the head of the athletic department exemplifies a rare and profound dedication to a single institution. He has been a stabilizing force within the department, navigating it through periods of transition and maintaining a standard of excellence. His influence extends across nearly every facet of the athletic program, from academic support for student-athletes in his early career to high-level strategic decisions and external relations in his executive roles. Ausberry has played a role in significant coaching hires and has been instrumental in the development of athletic facilities. His public statements often emphasize the strength and resilience of the LSU athletic department, projecting confidence and a commitment to winning. He is recognized both locally and nationally for his contributions to collegiate athletics and serves on numerous boards and committees.
Interesting Facts about Verge Ausberry
- He grew up as a fan of the University of Oklahoma football team.
- His first visit to an LSU game in Baton Rouge was not until 1984 when he was being recruited as a high school senior.
- As a development officer for the Tiger Athletic Foundation, he preferred driving to flying for fundraising trips, believing it helped build stronger relationships with donors.
- His office contains mementos from his career, including pictures with the last four American presidents.
- He was a four-year letterwinner as a linebacker at LSU.
Controversies
Information not publicly available.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Not publicly available
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Verge Ausberry
Verge Ausberry stands as a pillar of the LSU community. His career trajectory from the football field to the athletic director’s office is a powerful narrative of loyalty, hard work, and deep-seated passion for Louisiana State University. In his current role as Athletic Director, he is entrusted with guiding one of the nation’s premier athletic programs. His leadership was immediately tested with the high-profile task of hiring a new head football coach following the departure of Brian Kelly. Ausberry has consistently expressed his belief that LSU is not a “broken” program but one of the best in the country, a message aimed at reassuring fans and stakeholders during times of change. With decades of experience within the department, he possesses an unparalleled institutional knowledge that will be invaluable as he navigates the future of LSU Athletics in an ever-changing collegiate landscape.