Faculty and staff had the opportunity to learn more about Sam Houston State University Athletics during the latest Programs with Administrators session, which featured SHSU Director of Athletics Bobby Williams. The event drew 27 attendees for an engaging discussion that ranged from the University’s athletic history to its future priorities.
Following an introduction by HR’s Brandon Richard, Williams reflected on his remarkable 30-year tenure at SHSU, noting that he is now the longest-serving athletic director in Division I athletics. His perspective spans decades of Bearkat history.
When he first arrived on campus, football was still played at Pritchett Field, providing a reminder of how much both the University and its athletic facilities have evolved. He also shared a memorable story about being hired by coach Ron Randleman, adding that, in an unexpected twist, Randleman would eventually work for Williams for six years.
The conversation also explored the complexity of managing a modern athletic division. Williams explained that SHSU currently sponsors 18 varsity sports and emphasized that Title IX is one of the first considerations whenever the University evaluates adding a new team, with the related issue of cost also factoring large.
Audience members asked about challenges facing collegiate athletics today. When asked how the growth of online education affects student engagement, Williams acknowledged that it is a challenge “we all face.” As more students complete coursework remotely, he noted, campus experiences can become more transactional, making it harder to build the loyalty and sense of community that have traditionally defined the college experience.
Facilities were another popular topic. Williams explained that the University’s new football press box carries a $60 million price tag, with a significant portion already covered through private donations. If fundraising continues as hoped, SHSU could have approximately $40 million paid within the next year, leaving about $20 million remaining on the 30-year bond.
Looking ahead, he identified upgrades to the track facilities as a priority, while noting that nearly every sport has facility needs. He also expressed hope that the east side of Don Sanders Stadium can someday receive improvements similar to those made on the west side.
When put on the spot about how the Bearkat football team will do next year, Williams boldly went where every cornered athletic director in history has gone, and he said: “I think we’ll do better than last year.” (Last year the team was 2-10).
Williams concluded on a personal note by describing how his family established a $100,000 endowment supporting both athletics and education. With his wife having served as both a public-school principal and faculty member in SHSU’s College of Education, and his daughter working in the University’s Career Success Center, Williams said the gift reflected his desire to give back—not just to athletics, but to the entire University community.
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