Sherman, Texas -- Austin College President Steven O’Day has announced the retirement of David Norman, Director of Athletics and Chair of the Kinesiology Department, at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. Norman has been with the College for over 35 years and is a cornerstone of the College’s athletic program.
Coach Norman earned his B.A. from Austin College in 1983, his M.A. in Secondary Education from Austin College in 1984, and completed post-graduate coursework in Educational Administration at the University of North Texas. He started his career in teaching and coaching at Denison ISD in 1984, covering elementary physical education, boys’ and girls’ track and field, baseball, and a stint as assistant varsity football coach for DISD’s 1984 State Championship season, as well as multiple trips to the district and state playoffs.
Norman first joined the faculty of Austin College in 1989 as an Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sports Studies, and in 1994 he joined the athletics staff full-time as head baseball coach and assistant football coach. In 1999, he took the helm of the football team as head coach, became Associate Director of Athletics in 2005, and was named Director of Athletics in 2010.
During his tenure as Director of Athletics, Norman was instrumental in revitalizing the College’s “A” Association for alumni of the athletic programs and creating the “A” Association alumni board, jump-starting a new era of alumni support for athletics. Most recently on the academic side, Norman has overseen the transition from a Department of Exercise and Sports Studies to a Department of Kinesiology—which he currently chairs.
Over the years, Norman has served on many professional associations including the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the American Football Coaches Association. He has also received numerous awards and accolades from the College, including the Cindy Curtis Bean Service to Alumni Award, the Social Sciences Faculty Award for service, and the Outstanding Staff Member for Austin College Greek Life.
Throughout his career, Coach Norman has been a dedicated supporter and mentor, impacting the lives of generations of students who have participated in Austin College athletics as well as the countless other coaches who have spent part of their career at Austin College.
“There is really no way to calculate the impact of someone who has had a career like Coach Norman, working with the hundreds upon hundreds of students who have participated in Austin College athletics over the last four decades,” said President O’Day. “Austin College athletics would not be what it is today, with 14 varsity teams and almost a third of the student body involved, without the leadership and vision of Coach Norman. He is truly a fixture at Austin College and will be missed—though after 35 years of service we are happy to wish him a fond farewell as he heads into a well-deserved retirement.”
Norman and his wife Margie, who is a 1984 Austin College grad, a long-time employee of the College, and is also retiring this year, plan to stay in the area following their retirement. They look forward to spending more time with their children and grandchildren and enjoying the retired life. O’Day stated that the college plans to conduct a national search to fill Norman’s seat.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.