NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin has named Michael McBroom as the new director of athletics by Interim President Gina Oglesbee and the University of Texas System.
McBroom currently serves as director of athletics at West Texas A&M University where he has served since 2006.
"We are excited about the future of Lumberjack athletics under McBroom's leadership," Oglesbee said. "His proven ability to build championship-worthy programs — both on the playing surfaces and in the classroom — aptly matches the goals of SFA Athletics and the university."
According to the press release, WTAMU Athletics achieved an impressive list of accomplishments during McBroom's tenure, including:
- nine national championships and over 100 Lone Star Conference and NCAA Regional Championships
- nearly $100 million invested in constructing and renovating athletics facilities
- generated more than $40 million in external support, significantly enhancing scholarships, facilities and team operating budgets
- spearheaded initiatives that resulted in a 37% improvement in the academic success rate and GPAs of student-athletes
- and set new attendance and ticket sales records across all sports.
The WTAMU athletic department also finished inside the top 10 of the NCAA Division II Directors Cup for ten straight years and became the first Lone Star Conference institution to provide full scholarship funding for all women's teams, according to the release.
"I am incredibly grateful to Interim President Oglesbee, Damon Derrick and the search committee for the opportunity to serve the Lumberjacks as director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University," McBroom said. "I have been so impressed by the people I have met thus far and the genuine passion and commitment they have demonstrated for the university and the athletics program."
McBroom has held numerous committee roles include chair positions on both the NCAA Division II Football Committee and the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee, the release said.
"This is a dynamic time in college athletics, and our job is to set the stage so that we can achieve an unprecedented level of success across the board," McBroom said. "SFA is going to carve out a niche that results in record numbers of championships, graduates and support for all teams and all student-athletes. My family and I can't wait to get to Nacogdoches and start this exciting new chapter."
McBroom will reunite with Colby Carthel, SFA's head football coach, who was the defensive coordinator at WTAMU from 2006-2012. Carthel's father, Donnie, was the head football coach during that time and is WTAMU's all-time leader in coaching wins.
McBroom will begin his duties on May 15.