Cardinal Grange Assists Stephen F. Austin State University with AD Search
June 19, 2024 – Cardinal Grange recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McBroom as director of athletics at Stephen F. Austin State University. “We are excited about the future of Lumberjack athletics under McBroom’s leadership,” said Gina Oglesbee, interim president. “His proven ability to build championship-worthy programs — both on the playing surfaces and in the classroom — aptly matches the goals of Stephen F. Austin athletics and the university.”
“Stephen F. Austin’s search for a new director was conducted in partnership with Cardinal Grange, a leading professional search firm,” the school said. “The firm, under the guidance of Jim Nichols, leveraged its extensive network and expertise to support SFA in this crucial appointment. The team at Cardinal Grange, including industry veteran Tim McMurray, provided invaluable insights throughout the selection process.”
Mr. McBroom brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Stephen F. Austin athletics, serving as an athletics administrator for 25 years — 18 of those as an athletics director at West Texas A&M University athletics. Under his tutelage, WTAMU Athletics soared to new heights and achieved an impressive list of accomplishments, 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 percent improvement in the academic success rate and GPAs of student-athletes; and set new attendance and ticket sales records across all sports.
Mr. McBroom’s strategic focus is building championship-caliber programs, enhancing the academic performance of student-athletes and fostering lasting relationships within the community. His previous committee roles include chair positions on both the NCAA Division II football committee and the NCAA Division II Men’s basketball committee, demonstrating his respected voice in collegiate sports.
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“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,” Mr. 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.”
Dynamic Time in College Athletics
“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,” said Mr. McBroom. “Stephen F. Austin 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.”
Stephen F. Austin State University is a public university in Nacogdoches, TX. It was founded as a teachers’ college in 1923 and subsequently renamed after one of Texas’s founding fathers, Stephen F. Austin.
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The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks are composed of 16 teams representing Stephen F. Austin State University in intercollegiate athletics. Stephen F. Austin teams participate in the Division I as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), having joined that conference on July 1, 2021.
Cardinal Grange has filled senior positions at some of the most successful college athletic programs in the country, for Olympic teams, and in administrative positions in both men’s and women’s sports. Jim Nichols leads the firm with over 20 years of experience in coaching and athletic administration.
Mr. Nichols has surrounded himself with a great team of consultants, including Jim Boeheim, former head basketball coach at Syracuse University and NCAA Hall of Famer; Mr. McMurray, with over 30 years of experience in athletics administration at the NCAA Division I and II levels; Kelley Deyo, former Notre Dame women’s basketball national champion and former WNBA player; and Alfred White, an industry veteran with 15 years of experience with the NCAA.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
