University of Houston Athletics
Haywood Joins Houston as Director of Student-Athlete Development
1/22/2024 4:38:00 PM | General
Role to include building professional, personal and leadership programming
HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics has hired La'Ron Haywood as its Director for Student-Athlete Development. Haywood, who joins the Cougars from the University of North Texas, will oversee and support Cougar student-athletes and their ability to successfully navigate and maximize their intercollegiate experience while aiding in their post-graduate transition process.
At Houston, Haywood will lead in building and overseeing professional, personal and leadership development programming for Houston student-athletes. He will oversee community engagement initiatives for Houston Athletics, while creating and implementing opportunities for the student-athletes to engage and serve within the Houston community.
"I am beyond excited to join the University of Houston and am eager to foster the growth and development of our student-athletes," Haywood said. "My sincere thanks to all those involved in the hiring process for considering me. Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the university's continued legacy of excellence."
Haywood joined the Academic Center for Excellence from North Texas where he served as the Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development. There, he organized and implemented student-athlete education and resources to support successful pursuit of name, image and likeness opportunities, encompassing personal branding, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and institutional support, among other responsibilities.
"I am excited to have La'Ron join our team," Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development DeJuena Chizer said. "He brings a unique holistic approach to student-athlete development and his passion for his craft will benefit our student-athletes greatly."
Haywood earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UTSA in 2014 and his Master of Education in Counseling from TCU in 2023. Haywood served as a Graduate Assistant of Student-Athlete Development at TCU, acting as the liaison for Football, Women's Rifle, Women's Beach Volleyball, while supporting other sports with their professional, personal & leadership development. In this role he also oversaw various community engagement initiatives.
Prior to TCU, Haywood served as the Director of Recruiting for Incarnate Word Football and the Varsity Football/Track Coach at Angleton High School & Teen Leadership Teacher.
La'Ron and his wife Leisha have one daughter, Brinlyn, and one son, Saint La'Ron. La'Ron is a former Football student-athlete at Midwestern State University.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective, giving to Houston Rise, and by joining Cougar Pride.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
At Houston, Haywood will lead in building and overseeing professional, personal and leadership development programming for Houston student-athletes. He will oversee community engagement initiatives for Houston Athletics, while creating and implementing opportunities for the student-athletes to engage and serve within the Houston community.
"I am beyond excited to join the University of Houston and am eager to foster the growth and development of our student-athletes," Haywood said. "My sincere thanks to all those involved in the hiring process for considering me. Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to contributing to the university's continued legacy of excellence."
Haywood joined the Academic Center for Excellence from North Texas where he served as the Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development. There, he organized and implemented student-athlete education and resources to support successful pursuit of name, image and likeness opportunities, encompassing personal branding, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and institutional support, among other responsibilities.
"I am excited to have La'Ron join our team," Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development DeJuena Chizer said. "He brings a unique holistic approach to student-athlete development and his passion for his craft will benefit our student-athletes greatly."
Haywood earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UTSA in 2014 and his Master of Education in Counseling from TCU in 2023. Haywood served as a Graduate Assistant of Student-Athlete Development at TCU, acting as the liaison for Football, Women's Rifle, Women's Beach Volleyball, while supporting other sports with their professional, personal & leadership development. In this role he also oversaw various community engagement initiatives.
Prior to TCU, Haywood served as the Director of Recruiting for Incarnate Word Football and the Varsity Football/Track Coach at Angleton High School & Teen Leadership Teacher.
La'Ron and his wife Leisha have one daughter, Brinlyn, and one son, Saint La'Ron. La'Ron is a former Football student-athlete at Midwestern State University.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective, giving to Houston Rise, and by joining Cougar Pride.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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