Martin Newton was introduced as Samford[apos]s director of athletics on March 9. Newton, a 1983 Samford graduate, returns to his alma mater after spending the last two years as director of basketball operations at the University of Kentucky.
Newton, whose full name is Charles Martin Newton Jr., was selected following a national search led by Harry B. Brock III, Samford[apos]s vice president for business and financial affairs.
[quote]Martin had an important combination of factors that convinced us that he was an ideal choice to lead our athletics program,[quote] Brock said. [quote]His experience in higher education, his broad network built from his years in collegiate sports and the fact that he is a Samford graduate will help him continue moving our program forward.[quote]
Brock co-chaired a 12-member search advisory committee with Emily Hynds, an associate professor of mathematics.
[quote]Our committee was particularly impressed with Martin[apos]s understanding of the important balance between academics and athletics,[quote] Hynds added. [quote]And, because he is a Samford graduate, he understands the importance of leading athletics to support the university[apos]s mission.[quote]
Newton graduated from Samford in 1983 with a business degree. He was a four-year letter winner in men[apos]s basketball and was all-conference honorable mention in 1980.
[quote]I[apos]d like to thank Dr. Westmoreland, the board of trustees and Buck Brock for this incredible opportunity to return to my alma mater as its athletics director,[quote] Newton said. [quote]Samford has always had a special place in my heart and helped shape me both personally and professionally. I share Dr. Westmoreland[apos]s vision for this university and our athletics department, and I look forward to serving our student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff as we continue to move Samford athletics to the next level.[quote]
Following graduation he worked in sports marketing for Converse for 13 years. Newton then spent 13 years in a similar capacity at Nike.
Newton was then hired at Kentucky in 2009. At Kentucky he managed an $11 million budget, along with fundraising, compliance, scheduling, marketing and academic support for the men[apos]s basketball program.
Newton and his wife, Cindy, have three grown children, Katie, Madison and Charles.
