Williams Tapped as Houston’s Senior Deputy Athletics Director
1/27/2025 3:10:00 PM | General
Thirty-plus year collegiate veteran to help Cougars navigate evolving athletics landscape
HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics has hired David Williams, a 30-plus year veteran within collegiate athletics, as its Senior Deputy Athletics Director, pending final University approval, Vice President for Athletics Eddie Nuñez announced Monday.
Williams will be instrumental in guiding Houston through the dynamic landscape of college athletics, while providing strategic leadership and support to both internal and external teams.
"David brings an incredible depth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in collegiate athletics," Nuñez said. "Having worked together closely for six years at New Mexico, I've seen firsthand his ability to navigate complex challenges while driving success across multiple areas. David's understanding of my vision for Houston Athletics, coupled with his extensive experience as an Athletics Director and within key leadership roles, makes him the perfect fit to help make our team stronger."
Williams comes to Houston following six years at the University of New Mexico where he served as Assistant Vice President/Deputy A.D. Following Nuñez's departure to Houston, Williams was elevated to Interim Vice President/Director of Athletics from August-December 2024.
At New Mexico, Williams oversaw external units including ticketing, marketing, communications and licensing alongside oversight for several sports including football and men's basketball.
"While it is difficult to leave the University of New Mexico, I am excited about the opportunities ahead at a world-class institution like the University of Houston," Williams said. "I look forward to contributing to the University and Cougar Athletics in any way possible. I have partnered with Eddie Nuñez for the last six years at UNM and believe in him. I've seen his influence on Lobo Athletics up close and am excited about the chance to continue that relationship."
In his stint as Interim Vice President/Director of Athletics, Williams successfully guided UNM through a tumultuous time within the Mountain West as the league underwent a transformation with schools announcing their intention to split away from the league, while others joined. He also worked closely with Lobo Football as UNM came within a game of its first bowl game in eight years.
During 2020-21, Williams was instrumental in navigating New Mexico's football season played in its entirety in Las Vegas. He worked closely in the Name, Image, and Likeness space, allowing UNM to become a leader among Group of 5 schools. He also oversaw UNM athletics' move into a new office space in the Student Support and Services Building and has tackled a variety of special projects for the department and university.
Williams brings a wide variety of experience, not only at all levels of collegiate athletics, but also in duties. His career has included 13 years as a Division II Athletic Director and 20 years in upper-level administration as well as 10 years as a collegiate coach.
In his time with UNM, Williams handled several external transitions including UNM's change to the Paciolan ticketing system, of which UNM earned "Newcomer Of The Year" honors. Williams also helped spearhead UNM's contract with new website provider WMT and a new contract and online store with apparel provider Follett.
Prior to New Mexico, Williams spent nearly six years at the University of South Dakota, where he worked alongside Athletics Director Dave Herbster. Williams oversaw Football and Men's Basketball while leading revenue generation and contributing to
USD's athletic success. Under his tenure, USD secured three Summit League Women's All-Sport Trophies, FCS Football playoff qualification (2017), and a conference championship in Men's Basketball. Williams also helped USD earn the Summit League Sportsmanship Award twice and supported 3,000+ hours of community service in a single year.
Williams played a key role in fundraising efforts, securing $72 million for athletic facility improvements, including the Sanford Coyote Sports Center and multiple other venues. He also spearheaded $26 million in approved renovations for the DakotaDome and managed external contracts, ticketing, and apparel agreements. Additionally, he led coaching searches and served as a liaison with campus leadership.
Before South Dakota, Williams spent 13 years as Athletics Director at Wisconsin-Parkside, Missouri Western, and Kentucky Wesleyan. At Kentucky Wesleyan, he established the university's Hall of Fame and secured key apparel partnerships. At Missouri Western, Williams helped raise $19 million for facilities, including an NFL training site for the Kansas City Chiefs, and co-hosted NCAA Division II national championships.
Williams began his career at Wisconsin-Parkside, where he oversaw a $12 million expansion of the Sports and Activities Center, including advanced videoboards and facility upgrades. He also served on the Division II Athletic Directors Association board for six years, including three as President, co-authoring the "Division II Model Athletic Department," which remains an NCAA resource today.
Williams began his athletics journey as a coach, serving as both Assistant Basketball Coach at Wisconsin-Parkside as well as the Head Men's Golf Coach. He was also an Assistant Men's Basketball coach at North Dakota State. It was at NDSU where he earned his Master of Education Administration in 1995. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Augustana (Ill.) in 1991.
He and his wife, Dr. Suzanne Williams, have three children: Cooper, Carter and Caden. William's wife Suzanne is professor of Health Education and Sport Science at the University of New Mexico.
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 – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
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.
Williams will be instrumental in guiding Houston through the dynamic landscape of college athletics, while providing strategic leadership and support to both internal and external teams.
"David brings an incredible depth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in collegiate athletics," Nuñez said. "Having worked together closely for six years at New Mexico, I've seen firsthand his ability to navigate complex challenges while driving success across multiple areas. David's understanding of my vision for Houston Athletics, coupled with his extensive experience as an Athletics Director and within key leadership roles, makes him the perfect fit to help make our team stronger."
Williams comes to Houston following six years at the University of New Mexico where he served as Assistant Vice President/Deputy A.D. Following Nuñez's departure to Houston, Williams was elevated to Interim Vice President/Director of Athletics from August-December 2024.At New Mexico, Williams oversaw external units including ticketing, marketing, communications and licensing alongside oversight for several sports including football and men's basketball.
"While it is difficult to leave the University of New Mexico, I am excited about the opportunities ahead at a world-class institution like the University of Houston," Williams said. "I look forward to contributing to the University and Cougar Athletics in any way possible. I have partnered with Eddie Nuñez for the last six years at UNM and believe in him. I've seen his influence on Lobo Athletics up close and am excited about the chance to continue that relationship."
In his stint as Interim Vice President/Director of Athletics, Williams successfully guided UNM through a tumultuous time within the Mountain West as the league underwent a transformation with schools announcing their intention to split away from the league, while others joined. He also worked closely with Lobo Football as UNM came within a game of its first bowl game in eight years.
During 2020-21, Williams was instrumental in navigating New Mexico's football season played in its entirety in Las Vegas. He worked closely in the Name, Image, and Likeness space, allowing UNM to become a leader among Group of 5 schools. He also oversaw UNM athletics' move into a new office space in the Student Support and Services Building and has tackled a variety of special projects for the department and university.
Williams brings a wide variety of experience, not only at all levels of collegiate athletics, but also in duties. His career has included 13 years as a Division II Athletic Director and 20 years in upper-level administration as well as 10 years as a collegiate coach.
In his time with UNM, Williams handled several external transitions including UNM's change to the Paciolan ticketing system, of which UNM earned "Newcomer Of The Year" honors. Williams also helped spearhead UNM's contract with new website provider WMT and a new contract and online store with apparel provider Follett.
Prior to New Mexico, Williams spent nearly six years at the University of South Dakota, where he worked alongside Athletics Director Dave Herbster. Williams oversaw Football and Men's Basketball while leading revenue generation and contributing to
USD's athletic success. Under his tenure, USD secured three Summit League Women's All-Sport Trophies, FCS Football playoff qualification (2017), and a conference championship in Men's Basketball. Williams also helped USD earn the Summit League Sportsmanship Award twice and supported 3,000+ hours of community service in a single year.Williams played a key role in fundraising efforts, securing $72 million for athletic facility improvements, including the Sanford Coyote Sports Center and multiple other venues. He also spearheaded $26 million in approved renovations for the DakotaDome and managed external contracts, ticketing, and apparel agreements. Additionally, he led coaching searches and served as a liaison with campus leadership.
Before South Dakota, Williams spent 13 years as Athletics Director at Wisconsin-Parkside, Missouri Western, and Kentucky Wesleyan. At Kentucky Wesleyan, he established the university's Hall of Fame and secured key apparel partnerships. At Missouri Western, Williams helped raise $19 million for facilities, including an NFL training site for the Kansas City Chiefs, and co-hosted NCAA Division II national championships.Williams began his career at Wisconsin-Parkside, where he oversaw a $12 million expansion of the Sports and Activities Center, including advanced videoboards and facility upgrades. He also served on the Division II Athletic Directors Association board for six years, including three as President, co-authoring the "Division II Model Athletic Department," which remains an NCAA resource today.
Williams began his athletics journey as a coach, serving as both Assistant Basketball Coach at Wisconsin-Parkside as well as the Head Men's Golf Coach. He was also an Assistant Men's Basketball coach at North Dakota State. It was at NDSU where he earned his Master of Education Administration in 1995. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Augustana (Ill.) in 1991.
He and his wife, Dr. Suzanne Williams, have three children: Cooper, Carter and Caden. William's wife Suzanne is professor of Health Education and Sport Science at the University of New Mexico.
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 – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
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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