LeMoyne-Owen College Names Roderick Smothers Jr. New Athletics Director

LeMoyne-Owen College has hired Roderick Smothers Jr. as its new Director of Athletics, effective July 1, as the Memphis HBCU pushes to strengthen its Division II athletics program.

Smothers will oversee recruitment, operations, staffing, and athletic performance while working to enhance the student-athlete experience. He arrives with a track record of leading HBCU athletic departments across multiple levels of competition.

“I am a strong advocate for HBCUs and amplifying the need to inspire the next generation of athletic administrators,” Smothers said. He added that he’s eager to work with staff to help student-athletes grow into future leaders.

A Vidalia, Louisiana native, Smothers spent the last three years as Assistant Athletic Director for Ticketing at Alabama A&M University. Before that, he led Philander Smith University’s athletics department from 2020 to 2023, a stretch that produced five championships and two Commissioner’s Cups, including the 2023 Thomas Howell Cup for the top program across GCAC and NAIA-sponsored sports.

Smothers also served as president of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and represented the league on the Athletic Director’s Association board.

LeMoyne-Owen President Dr. Christopher B. Davis called the hire a turning point, saying Smothers’ appointment “ignites a new era for athletics” as the college builds toward stronger operations and championship contention.

Roderick Smothers Jr. Joins LeMoyne-Owen
Category	Details
The Hire	LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) has officially appointed Roderick Smothers Jr. as the institution's new Director of Athletics. His tenure effectively began on July 1, 2026.
The Institution	LOC is a historically Black college (HBCU) located in Memphis, Tennessee, that competes at the NCAA Division II level. Its athletic programs are known as the Magicians and Lady Magicians.
Recent Role	Prior to joining LOC, Smothers spent the last three years as the Assistant Athletic Director for Ticketing at Alabama A&M University.
Past AD Experience	Smothers successfully served as the Director of Athletics for Philander Smith University from 2020 through 2023.
Athletic Accolades	During his leadership at Philander Smith, the athletic department secured five conference championships and captured two Commissioner's Cups. The program also claimed the 2023 Thomas Howell Cup, which is awarded for the highest all-sports point total across the GCAC.
Leadership Philosophy	Smothers emphasizes a progressive leadership style, stating his goal is to empower his coaching and administrative staff rather than simply acting as a "boss". LOC President Dr. Christopher B. Davis praised the hire, declaring that bringing Smothers on board "ignites a new era for athletics" at the college.