LeMoyne-Owen Hires Roderick Smothers Jr. as New AD

New Leadership for LeMoyne-Owen Athletics

Roderick Smothers Jr. took the reins as athletic director at LeMoyne-Owen College on July 1, 2026, marking a shift for the Memphis‑based HBCU. He comes from a background that includes leading Philander Smith and serving as an assistant AD for ticketing at Alabama A&M for three years. Smothers replaces William Anderson, who had returned for a second stint in 2021. The hiring was praised by President Christopher B. Davis, who said the appointment ignites a new era and aligns with the college’s mission to expand opportunities and compete for championships.

A Student‑Athlete‑First Agenda

In a recent interview with The Commercial Appeal, Smothers outlined a vision that puts student‑athletes at the core of the program’s decisions. He warned that the growing focus on paying athletes has shifted attention away from education, stressing that the “first word in that is student.” His goal is to ensure that athletes receive their degrees and are positioned for productive careers beyond sports. He also highlighted the need to rebuild the culture around service rather than purely financial considerations.

Revenue Sharing on the Horizon

Smothers indicated that LeMoyne‑Owen currently lacks a revenue‑sharing model, but he plans to launch one as part of his broader strategy. He intends to create an alumni‑driven giving program that distributes funds annually to each sport, allowing the school to compensate athletes strategically. By building partnerships and establishing the right infrastructure first, he hopes to attract higher‑caliber talent and improve competitiveness across the 14 athletic teams. The plan mirrors broader trends in college athletics where schools are exploring new ways to support athletes financially.

Community Reaction and Local Ambition

Since his arrival, Smothers has been greeted with a warm reception from the Memphis community and campus personnel. He described the response as “very, very welcoming,” noting that strangers have reached out with offers of assistance. He also called on the greater Memphis area to rally behind the Magicians, framing LeMoyne‑owen as the institution the city can unite behind amid its “starving for success” climate. The hope is that local support will translate into on‑field results and a stronger athletic identity for the region.

Historical Context and Future Outlook

LeMoyne‑owen, Memphis’ only historically Black college, has a long tradition of producing both scholars and athletes. Previous leaders like William Anderson worked to revive the athletics program, and Smothers sees the school as a “sleeping giant” ready for awakening. His career trajectory—from a humble start in Louisiana to leading programs at Philander Smith and Alabama A&M—reflects the broader evolution of HBCU athletics in the Division I landscape. Stakeholders will watch closely as the new AD turns his strategic plans into tangible results for student‑athletes and the university.