Nationwide Search for WT’s New VP of Athletics Underway

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — The search has begun for the next leader of West Texas A&M University Athletics.

Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, will lead a 14-person committee of WT administrators, faculty, coaches and staff who will find a successor for Michael McBroom.

On April 25, McBroom announced his hiring as director of athletics at the Division I Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

Thompson Mayberry, associate athletic director for corporate relations, is serving as interim WT athletics director.

“Michael McBroom has been a joy to work with, and his acumen regarding intercollegiate athletics is remarkable. He leaves big shoes to fill,” WT President Walter V. Wendler said. “Because of the quality of our program under Michael’s leadership, we think there will be a high level of interest among candidates from around the country.”

The search committee also will include Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs; Dr. De’Arno De’Armond, associate vice president for university marketing and chief branding officer; Dr. Dave Rausch, the Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science and faculty athletics representative; and Dr. Blake Price, assistant professor of sports and exercise science.

Coaches named to the committee are Matt Stewart, track & field; Josh Lynn, football; Tom Brown, men’s basketball; Meredith Jameson, women’s golf; Brittany Harry, volleyball; and Michael Mook, softball.

Staff members on the committee are Kimberly Dudley, assistant athletic director for leadership; Sedrick Knowlton, associate athletic director for marketing and fan engagement; and Tina Good, associate athletic director of business and administration.

WT seeks a new vice president for athletics with a graduate degree in sports administration or a related field and 10 years’ experience in collegiate athletics administration, with previous coaching and student-athlete experience desired. Candidates should be experienced with personnel management, budget management, development, external relations and marketing, as well as having proven planning and assessment skills, among other qualifications.

Recruiting, retaining and rewarding the best faculty, staff and administrators is a key mission of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—