DALLAS (SMU) - Darius Maize has been named Chief of Staff for SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart, Hart announced today.
 
In this newly-created role, Maize will assist with Strategic Planning and Special Projects as well as preparation for Board of Trustees, Strategy Team and All-Staff meetings. He will also help manage the Administration Budget, oversee the S.P.I.R.I.T. Committee and serve as a liaison to Human Resources, Legal Affairs and IT.
 
Maize comes to the Hilltop from Arkansas-Little Rock where he served as Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Operations & Special Projects. Maize served on the senior administration team and had oversight of all facilities, game day operations and the day-to-day administration of the department and also was sport administrator for the track & field and swimming & diving programs.
 
Maize is a Little Rock native and is a graduate of Hall High School. He graduated from Baylor in 2015 with a degree in athletic training before attaining his master's degree from Arkansas State in 2018.
 
Maize is married to Ashtin Maize, and the couple have a daughter, Sydney Reese Maize.
 
Maize will start at SMU on May 8^th.