Akiliyah Sumlin - Coordinator of Creative Services & On-Campus Recruiting - Football Support Staff

Akiliyah Sumlin

Title:
Coordinator of Creative Services & On-Campus Recruiting
Email:
sumlin_a@mercer.edu
Phone:
(478) 301-2713

Akiliyah “AK” Sumlin began as Coordinator of Creative Services and On-Campus Recruiting for Mercer in February of 2023. Sumlin will begin her second year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as her first season alongside Head Coach Mike Jacobs. Prior to joining the Bears, she spent the previous two seasons on the football administrative staff at Austin Peay State in Clarksville, Tenn.

No stranger to wearing many hats, Sumlin tackled an array of responsibilities in multiple roles at Austin Peay State. As a recruiting assistant for the Govs during the 2022 season, Sumlin was charged with producing graphics, photography, database management and logistics for on-campus recruiting, executing official and unofficial visits for the program and operational support.

She began her tenure in Clarksville, Tenn., in 2021 as a graduate administrative assistant in APSU’s Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center where she was charged with the creation and distribution of all marketing materials for the department. While at APSU, she was the recipient of the Hattie Walker Wilhoite Recognition which is presented to African American female students who have enhanced the campus life experience through consistent involvement in campus life, excellence in the classroom and significant participation in campus leadership.

Prior to trekking to northern Tennessee, Sumlin spent one season (2020-21) in nearby Nashville as a marketing intern and content creator for the Tennessee State football program. She also developed graphics and cinematography for publication to TSU’s recruits and fan base.

A native of Langston, Okla., Sumlin earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness (marketing minor) from Tennessee State in 2021, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in media management. As an undergraduate at TSU, she was involved in a number of organizations, including becoming a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.