Darnell Smith | Director of Athletics | Texas A&M-San Antonio – One Question Leadership Podcast

1QLeadership Question: What does it take to be a university’s first Director of Athletics?

We asked Darnell Smith, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M-San Antonio, about the process of starting an athletics department. The school did not have varsity sports prior to Smith’s arrival. 

• Create a vision
• Hire coaches and staff
• Establish a way to fund the department
• Join a governing body
• Ensure compliance
• Create culture

Darnell smith started as the only person in the department and has hired everyone who is currently a part of the staff. Culture and leadership development are major aspects of his process. – One Question Leadership Podcast – Tai M. Brown