BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford University has extended the contract of Director of Athletics Martin Newton to last through June of 2028, the university announced Monday.
 
In addition to the contract extension, Newton's title will now be Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics.
 
"Martin Newton's leadership of and vision for Samford's athletic programs have propelled the Bulldogs consistently to the top of the Southern Conference," Samford President Beck A. Taylor said. "There are many disruptive changes happening in collegiate athletics, and I'm grateful to have Martin's wisdom, experience, and steady hand as Samford Athletics strives for excellence in the years to come."
 
Newton has transformed Samford into one of the Southern Conference's most successful programs since taking the helm of the department on March 9, 2011.
 
Newton has made an impact nationally in his time at Samford as he is in the middle of a five-year appointment to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. In 2026-27, he will serve as the committee's chair. Additionally, he served on the NCAA Division I Council and the Men's Basketball Oversight Committee as well as NCAA Council Coordination Committee (CCC). 
 
"Serving my alma mater has been the highlight of my professional career," Newton said. "Being able to give back to the community that did so much to shape the person I am today has been such a blessing. I can't begin to express my gratitude to Dr. Taylor and the Board of Trustees for their support and trust to continue to lead our athletics department. I'm truly excited about the future for Samford University under Dr. Taylor's leadership and share his vision for this great university."
 
Academically, the school's student-athletes have also posted outstanding results in the classroom, with 2,735 Bulldogs being named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll. Samford's student-athletes posted an impressive 98 percent in the most recent NCAA's Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, the highest mark in the SoCon and in the state of Alabama.
           
On the fields and courts, the Bulldogs have captured 83 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships during his tenure, including a school record 11 championships in 2022-23.
           
Additionally, Samford has won the last five Southern Conference's Germann Cups (top women's athletics program) and Graduation Rate awards. Samford has also won two of the last three Commissioner's Cups, which goes to the top men's athletic program in the SoCon.
         
 
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