Dooley Crowned SSAC AD of the Year
Courtesy of BPC
The Brewton-Parker College Barons are thrilled to announce that Chris Dooley has won the Southern States Athletic Conference AD of the Year award. Voted upon by the ADs in the conference, the award highlights the respect Dooley garners among his peers.
The Brewton-Parker family is thrilled to congratulate Chris for winning this honor. Chris Dooley’s leadership is a constant presence that helps guide the Barons’ athletic department, and he is an incredible boss to work for. Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Assistant AD Steve Edwards shared his thoughts on what Dooley means to the institution. “Chris is the type of leader everyone wants to rally around. He spends long hours each week trying to figure out a way to make our department better. He has a huge heart and cares for everyone in our department.” Dooley is always looking for ways to help each program and support the Athletic Department.
BPC President Dr. Steven F. Echols shared his thoughts on what Chris means to the school. “Chris Dooley deserves the Athletic Director of the Year award. He has built a great program by attracting and retaining outstanding coaches. He is a creative and visionary leader who knows how to accomplish things. He has led by example with a tireless work ethic that strives for excellence, but at the same time, he comes alongside our coaches with encouragement and the resources they need to be successful. Chris Dooley has brought phenomenal growth in numbers and quality to the Brewton-Parker athletic program. We are grateful to God for sending him to Brewton-Parker!”
During his tenure as the AD of Brewton-Parker, Chris Dooley helped reshape many programs by finding the right coaches to lead them. This year, Brewton-Parker saw the women’s volleyball team reach heights it has not seen in decades thanks to the dedication and hard work of head coach Obed Quiles, whom Dooley brought in. Dooley has been responsible for hiring numerous coaches, helping to elevate their programs in recent years, like Tyler Smith in the wrestling program and getting Tony Hawkins to be the Director of the Track and Field program.
Dooley has spent the last 10 years helping to reshape Brewton-Parker athletics into something better, and that is highlighted by those who have been around him. Assistant AD and Head Baseball Coach Aaron Larsen shared, “I have worked with Chris for the past ten years in many different capacities, and there is no more upstanding human being. He takes the time to get to know us personally and uses his influence to pour into our lives as coaches and as men and women. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his help and guidance, and I couldn’t be more thankful for our time together at Brewton-Parker.
“He is the definition of a true leader. It doesn’t matter what we are going through. He will always step up to the plate and help in any way needed, from rebuilding athletic facilities after a hurricane to cleaning dorms for summer camps. His selflessness often goes unnoticed by many, but the individuals who work closely with him notice and appreciate it more than he will ever know. He is a mentor to the coaching staff and many of our studentathletes. No matter how busy he is, he is always willing to sit down and talk and provide guidance free of judgment. It’s these characteristics that have helped provide stability to our athletic department and campus as a whole. It’s been a joy to watch the improvements in our athletic department, facilities, and campus over the past ten years, and I can’t wait to see what continues to come in the future.”
The institution has overcome numerous outside challenges this year thanks to Chris Dooley’s steadfast leadership. Between having to close for the hurricane and sending students home with winter storm warnings, Dooley was able to lead the athletic department and help steer the ship in the right direction. The Brewton-Parker community is thrilled to see what is to come for the campus and the entire athletic department. Congratulations, Chris Dooley, and thank you for representing Brewton-Parker.
