Steve Browning
Southern Arkansas University President Dr. David Rankin has announced the appointment of Steve Browning as director of athletics effective July 1.
Browning has served as interim director of athletics since December 1 and will continue to serve dually as head baseball coach.
“Coach Browning has done an outstanding job balancing the duties of head baseball coach and interim athletic director over the past six months,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “He has proven that he has the ability and know-how to win on the field and handle the operations of the athletics department. He has served with distinction and has given us confidence that he will lead the department in the right direction.”
Browning is a familiar face at SAU. He was named head coach of the Mulerider baseball program in June 2010 after 10 seasons as an assistant coach. He has been part of SAU baseball since 1998, serving five years as a student and graduate assistant coach and two years as a player.
Browning’s first two years as head coach proved to be very successful. He led the Muleriders to a conference championship as they exited the Gulf South Conference in 2011, and in 2012, the Muleriders not only won the Great American Conference title outright but went on to win the inaugural GAC baseball tournament and advance to the NCAA regional tournament.
“I’ve always been proud to be a Mulerider, and I’m honored to be asked to take the athletics director title on a more permanent basis,” said Browning. “We have a lot to be excited about, and I am thankful that the University administration has put their trust in me. I’m looking forward to helping all our programs and student-athletes advance on the field and in the classroom.”
Browning said he is looking forward to working with University administrators, coaches, alumni, community members and local and regional businesses to promote Mulerider athletics.
Browning received his B.S.E. in health, kinesiology and recreation from SAU in 2001, and holds three M.Ed. degrees from the university in kinesiology (2002), education administration and supervision (2005) and special education (2007).
A graduate of Sheridan High School, Browning is married to the former Brandy Nicholson of Strong, and they have two sons, Cade and Mason.
