Recognizing Chris King for his service at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Under King's leadership, the athletics department has seen an increase in general fundraising efforts and corporate sponsorships, which have supported extensive renovations of facilities and the construction of modern playing fields and training centers. The department's achievements under King have included a notable ranking of second in the Western Athletic Conference and securing a combined total of 36 individual and team championships since the university joined the conference in 2013. This transformation not only enriched the athletic environment on campus but also fostered a culture of integrity and community involvement.
Senate Resolution 770 honors Chris King for his significant contributions as the director of athletics at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Throughout his tenure, which lasted over nine years, King has led the athletics department to achieve notable successes by raising the standards of Division I Athletics, thus instilling a sense of excellence within the university's sports programs. He is credited with enhancing the university's reputation and success both in sports and academics, helping student-athletes excel in their studies while also achieving athletic honors.
While the resolution recognizes King's positive impact, it reflects broader discussions about the importance of leadership in college athletics, especially in fostering not just competitive success but also character development and community engagement among student-athletes. It raises awareness of the critical role that athletic directors play in shaping both the university's sports culture and academic mission.
In acknowledging King’s future role as vice president and director of athletics at Robert Morris University, the resolution serves to emphasize the value of mentorship and the transfer of successful leadership practices to other institutions. Such recognition encourages ongoing dialogue about the contributions of sports and athletic programs to overall educational success and community service efforts.