Alabama A&M University has reaffirmed its dedication to excellence by extending the contract of Dr. Paul A. Bryant, Director of Athletics, until 2027, as endorsed by University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims.
Bryant, who is only the fourth individual to serve as Director of Athletics in Alabama A&M’s 24-year journey in NCAA Division I, has made considerable progress over the past two years, which has resulted in this contract extension. His guidance has led the athletic department to unprecedented levels of achievement.
In expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Bryant remarked, “I am thankful to President Wims for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue leading the Bulldogs toward excellence both academically and athletically.”
During his tenure, Bryant has accomplished a number of significant initiatives, including the successful lifting of NCAA sanctions that had imposed a five-year probationary period. In just one year, he significantly decreased the number of teams under NCAA APR restrictions from nine to three.
In a pioneering effort, Bryant launched the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) inaugural Mental Health Support Initiative for student-athletes and established a partnership with Yapit. His commitment to enhancing fan engagement led to the formation of the Dog Kennels Community at Louis Crews Stadium and the installation of video boards across all athletic venues.
Bryant’s impact is also visible in attendance statistics. The 2023-24 basketball season experienced a dramatic increase in attendance, averaging 2,871 fans compared to 1,576 in the prior season. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams broke single-game attendance records against rival Alabama State, attracting 6,389 fans for the men’s game and 5,127 for the women’s.
The football program also reached new milestones, setting a single-game attendance record of 26,391 at Louis Crews Stadium during Homecoming and finishing the 2023 season ranked 13th nationally among FCS attendance figures.
Off the field, Bryant has advocated for academic success, with more than 215 student-athletes earning a spot on the SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll this past year.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Bryant’s influence is felt in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, where June 14 has been proclaimed “Dr. Paul A. Bryant Day” in recognition of his continuous contributions to the community and outstanding leadership.
Dr. Bryant’s vision and commitment are making a lasting impact on Alabama A&M’s athletic program, promoting both competitive excellence and academic success.
Image Source: aamusports.com
