By KATIE LACKEY, Sports Editor
He is no stranger to leadership.
Brad Franz has been working in college administration for almost 25 years. He had been an athletic director for 14 years at Otero Junior College, but his leadership experience is more than just serving as an athletic director. He’s been the vice president for student affairs, worked in enrollment management, vice president for student services, vice president for instruction, assistant basketball coach and finally was the men’s basketball coach at Northwestern when the athletic director position opened up.
“I thought it would be a natural fit,” Franz said. “I have a passion for Northwestern and all of its academic and extra-curricular activities that we have so I thought it would be a good opportunity to help a lot of students at Northwestern.”
As if Franz’s experience wasn’t enough, he is also a proud graduate of Northwestern. Franz has a bachelors degree in health and physical education as well as a masters in education.
It is not just the formal education and experience that Franz brings to the athletic director role, but his own personal strengths. “ I am a good listener and try to bring as many points of view as possible before making decisions,” Franz said. “I have a strong work ethic and try to work well with people around me.”
Franz strong work ethic is noticed throughout Northwestern. Tim Lauderdale, associate director of athletics, has known Franz for nine years. “Brad will do whatever it takes to make sure people are taken care of and will exhaust every available option to see that it happens. He is a non-stop, go-getter that pays close attention to details and wants to make sure thing are finished correctly, instead of just finished,” Lauderdale said.
Sadiaa Jones, who is the assistant director of athletics for compliance and student services, has only known Franz for a few short months, but she said she expects him to bring hard work, dedication, and loyalty to the position.
As a Northwestern alumna, Franz’s support for this school is obvious. “I really believe in the way Northwestern does things,” Franz said. “We have strong leadership in our administration starting with our president, Dr. Cunningham. We have a great faculty and staff that cares about our students’ growth and success, as well as a great community of Alva and a strong support of all of Northwestern Oklahoma.”
Franz looks ahead to any challenges that may present themselves in the future. “There is something to learn every day,” he said, “and if you approach it that way you will build upon any weakness that you have.”
Franz said he enjoys working behind the scenes and watching success happen for Northwestern’s programs. He enjoys working with both coaches and student-athletes.
“His persistence and attention to detail make Brad the perfect choice for Northwestern athletics,” Lauderdale said.