Q&A with Director of Development, Doug Kovash
Tell us about your family:
"Beth (my wife) and I met in college at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN in 1982. We we Married on January 2, 1988. Two years ago we moved from Gardendale, AL a few miles south to the Black Creek Park neighborhood in Fultondale, AL.
We have 3 children - Jenna (30), Jordan, (28) and Kayla (soon to be 26). Jenna works as a nurse in the high risk pregnancy/women's unit at Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham. Jordan is an Operations Manager for Tractor Supply Company in Warner Robbins, GA. Kayla works as a travel nurse delivering babies. She currently serves a hospital in the Charlotte, NC suburbs.
We have a 5 yr old dog named Milo. He is 1/2 Siberian Husky and 1/2 Australian Shepherd. He is super friendly and loves to take his owners on walks multiple times during the day on the trails at Black Creek Park."
What is your favorite part about working at Samford?
"Working with a team of committed people who want to advance Samford Athletics with Christ at the heart of its mission, goals and values."
How has Samford helped you in your career development?
"By allowing me to live out my faith on campus and in our community while advancing the cause of Samford University and the Athletic program. Our team is intentional and strategic in its approach > I like that! This approach will benefit us in the long run."
If you could switch your job with anyone else within in the athletics department, whose job would you want?
"Team Chaplain. Walking with another in/through their faith journey would be awesome!"Â
Before working at Samford, what was the most unusual job you had?
"Serving our homeless men living in our midst here in Birmingham as a case manager, housing coordinator, development director, and most recently, as assistant director at Firehouse Ministries - largest men's homeless shelter in the state of Alabama. Humbling experience . . ."
What is your favorite travel spot?
"Hiking Mountain Trails. Visiting Family, Friends, and Former Players wherever/whenever I can."
What is are some of your hobbies or things you enjoy outside of work?
"Read, Go the the Mountains, and anything/everything Baseball related."
Tell us about a experience you have had that helped shape who you are today?
"Completed a semester long college internship working at the Cook County Jail on the south side of Chicago in 1985. Eye opening. Life changing."
Final message from Doug:
"We are thankful for your sacrifice of time, utilizing your talents to benefit Samford Athletics, and by earmarking your financial resources to advance the mission and goals of the university. We appreciate your presence at Samford Athletic events, by becoming active in the Bulldog Club and S-Club, and by praying for our staff, coaches, and athletes from afar. We are so grateful for the influence and impact you are making a difference in the lives of the student-athletes we serve!"
