Alabama A&M University has announced that Dr. Paul A. Bryant will continue to lead its athletic department through 2027. This comes after AAMU President Dr. Daniel K. Wims approved a contract extension. Bryant, who has made significant progress in his role since taking over as the fourth director of athletics in the university’s NCAA Division I history, expressed gratitude for the continued opportunity to guide the Bulldogs towards excellence both academically and athletically.
“I am grateful to President Wims for giving me the opportunity to continue to lead the Bulldogs as we strive towards excellence in the classroom and on the playing surfaces,” Bryant said.
Bryant’s Impact
Since his appointment, Bryant has focused on improving the athletic department’s overall standing. He successfully worked to remove NCAA sanctions following a five-year probationary period. Currently, only three teams remain under NCAA Academic Progress Rate restrictions.
Bryant has also made mental health a key priority within the athletic program. His initiative led to AAMU implementing the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s first mental health support program, bolstered by a strategic partnership with Yapit.
In addition to enhancing support systems, Bryant has overseen significant infrastructure improvements at AAMU, including the introduction of the Dog Kennels Community at Louis Crews Stadium and the installation of video boards across all athletic venues, enhancing the game-day experience for fans and athletes alike.
The success of the athletic programs under Bryant’s leadership is evident in attendance records. For the 2023-24 basketball season, average attendance surged from 1,576 fans to 2,871 per game, with the men’s basketball team setting a single-game record of 6,389 against rival Alabama State. The women’s basketball team also reached new heights, breaking their own record with an attendance of 5,127 for the same game. In football, Homecoming festivities drew a record-breaking crowd of 26,391 at Louis Crews Stadium, propelling the program to 13th nationally in FCS attendance.
Beyond athletic achievements, the Bulldogs have excelled academically. Last year, over 215 student-athletes were recognized on the SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
