In just a year and a half, Texas Southern University Director of Athletics Alois Blackwell has presided over what is truly becoming, "An exciting time to be a Tiger!"

He has quickly put his stamp on every area of the department, creating an environment in which student-athletes can achieve at the highest levels academically, athletically and socially. Blackwell has also implemented procedures to develop a more sound infrastructure for the Athletics Department and its 17 intercollegiate sports.

Through this leader's vision for "Success Through Athletics," Texas Southern attracted Ronnie Courtney, coach of the twice crowned UIL State 5A Basketball Champion Willowridge Eagles. He also tapped SWAC Champion softball coach Yolanda Sinegal to be the Senior Women's Admistrator, and in the fall of 2003, TSU will add women's soccer as a varsity sport.

Blackwell's duties include managing and promoting all areas of athletics. Under his watchful eye, the TSU Relays regained its prowess, attracting its largest crowd in five years. The Tiger football team boasted the fourth largest increase in attendance in I-AA football in the NCAA, and letterman jackets were presented to deserving student-athletes at the annual TSU All-Sports Banquet, each varsity team was captured in media guide publications, and their accomplishments were highlighted in film.

In the near future, the TSU Relays will make its way back to the campus with the addition of a new Mondo Track, and the football team will enjoy a new practice field with the state-of-the-art Astroplay.

"One immediate vision for Tiger Athletics is that our graduate rate be right up there with the leading Division I programs," says Blackwell.

From his own experiences, Blackwell has always been a winner and understands the needs of student-athletes. He was a standout All-American running back for the University of Houston Cougars from 1973-78, and was a member of the first Southwest Conference Championship Team. Blackwell was the Most Valuable Player of the 1977 Cotton Bowl, and the Houston Sportwriter's Player of the Year. He played in the National Football League from 1978-81, with two teams, the Dallas Cowboys, where he was a member of the Super Bowl XIII team, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Prior to coming to TSU, Blackwell spent six years as the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotions at the University of Houston. He also served as an academic and career counselor, working directly with student-athletes through tutoring, class work, and graduation preparation. In February of 1995, he became an honorary member of the Golden Key National Honor Society for his commitment to higher education, as a counselor.

In addition to his professional background, Blackwell is very active in the community. He has received various honors and recognition for his service to several organizations, such as the federal government's "Minority Male Initiative Program," to whom he serves as a consultant.

Blackwell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional development from Amber University in 1990, and has attended the Texas Southern University Law School.

He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and enjoys golf and reading.