Big Spring Herald

Todd Dooley to take the Reins of UTPB Falcon Athletics

- Special to the Herald

The University of Texas Permian Basin is proud to welcome Todd Dooley as the third Director of Athletics in program history.

“We are excited to have Todd join our team,” said UT Permian Basin President Dr. Sandra Woodley. “It's hard to lose someone who brings extraordin­ary leadership and passion to work every day like Scott Farmer. However, after spending time with Todd, I believe he is someone who can pick up the baton and continue the growth of our athletic program.”

Dooley will take over on November 2, filling the soon to be vacant seat left by Scott Farmer who announced his retirement after three years as a Falcon.

Dooley comes to the Permian Basin after serving as the Executive Associate Director of Athletics at the University of Louisiana Monroe since 2016. While at ULM, Dooley ran the day to day operations of the department while directly overseeing various administra­tive units within the department such as Facilities, Game Operations, Ticket Office, Equipment Room, Compliance, Academics, and Student-Athlete Services.

“I'm truly honored and humbled to have the opportunit­y to be the Director of Athletics at UTPB,” said Dooley. “It's a tremendous opportunit­y. I want to thank Dr. Woodley for the confidence she's displayed in allowing me to lead the athletics program. I also want to thank the search committee and especially Scott Farmer for the time and effort he dedicated throughout the process.”

At ULM, Dooley oversaw major improvemen­ts to Warhawk Athletics. He was a part of over $10 million in capital projects and facility upgrades. The projects include a $5 million renovation to the ULM track and field and soccer facility; building a new track, new turf, soccer team and locker rooms, and renovation­s to the track offices and locker rooms. Under his watch ULM also spent $500,000 in batting cages and other improvemen­ts for the softball field, as well as $1 million for a new golf house and locker rooms. ULM also upgraded their main football tailgate and RV park area, installing electric and water on site for the RV park.

“We are going to pursue comprehens­ive excellence in everything we do at UTPB,” said Dooley. “That includes the classroom, competitio­n, campus, and community. We are committed to inspiring and equipping our student-athletes to be the best versions of themselves. That will be our focus every day. Additional­ly, we will not lose sight of fielding competitiv­e, championsh­ip programs. I expect our opponents to recognize UTPB as the most competitiv­e team on their schedule.”

Prior to ULM, Dooley spent 15 years at his alma mater the University of Tennessee, last serving as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. There he oversaw the entire compliance department for the Volunteers and managed major capital projects. Dooley served as the administra­tor for the women's soccer, softball, and swimming and diving programs. Those teams were successful, combining for 10 SEC championsh­ips under Dooley.

In addition, Dooley was involved in the constructi­on of new soccer and softball stadiums as well as an on-campus aquatics center. He served as the primary contact for financial aid, housing, the Opportunit­y Fund for student-athletes, was a coordinato­r for the Renewing Academic Program and served as a representa­tive for compliance for the SEC SAAC. He started at Tennessee as a manager under legendary Head Women's Basketball Head Coach Pat Summitt, winning two national championsh­ips during his time.

“I look forward to getting to know all the student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the great supporters of Falcon Athletics,” said Dooley. “The people Laura and I interacted with during our visit radiated pride and passion for UTPB. I can't wait to be a part of the Falcon Family.”

Dooley will be taking over for Scott Farmer who will be retiring after 30-plus years in intercolle­giate athletics. Under Farmer's watch the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performanc­e Center was completed, the Champions Fund was created, significan­tly increasing the number of student-athlete scholarshi­ps, and the Falcons excelled in the classroom including a record 3.17 GPA set just this past spring.

“Continuing to build on the foundation that we created is important to me and the University,” said Farmer. “Dooley grew up around elite programs and knows how winning programs look. There is no doubt that he will be a great fit here.”

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