Harold Bevis (1922 - 2019) was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator.
Harold Bevis played college football at the University of Mississippi and was an assistant football coach at Mississippi State University and Vanderbilt University. Bevis served as athletic director at the University of Kentucky from 1960 to 1973 and the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987.
The bulk of Harold Bevis's career was spent as the athletic director at the University of Kentucky. During his tenure in Lexington, Kentucky, he oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the construction of Commonwealth Stadium, which opened in 1973. Bevis also served on the NCAA's Executive Committee.
Harold Bevis
Harold Bevis was an American football player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He served as athletic director at the University of Kentucky from 1960 to 1973 and the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987.
- Football player
- Football coach
- Athletics administrator
- University of Kentucky
- University of Maryland
- Southeastern Conference
- NCAA Executive Committee
Bevis's tenure at Kentucky was marked by the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the construction of Commonwealth Stadium. He also served on the NCAA's Executive Committee. After leaving Kentucky, Bevis served as athletic director at the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987.
1. Football player
Harold Bevis's experience as a football player shaped his career as an athletic administrator. He understood the challenges and rewards of being a student-athlete, and he used that knowledge to create a positive experience for the student-athletes he oversaw.
Bevis was a standout football player at the University of Mississippi. He was a three-year letterman and was named All-SEC in 1942. After graduating from Mississippi, Bevis played professional football for the Chicago Rockets of the All-America Football Conference.
Bevis's experience as a football player gave him a unique perspective on the role of athletics in higher education. He believed that athletics could be a valuable educational experience, teaching student-athletes important life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
2. Football coach
Harold Bevis's experience as a football player prepared him well for his career as a football coach, Athletic Director, and college athletics administrator. As a coach, Bevis was known for his attention to detail, his ability to motivate his players, and his commitment to winning. He was also a master of strategy and tactics, and he always had a keen eye for talent.
Bevis began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Mississippi State University. He then became the head coach at Vanderbilt University, where he led the Commodores to three bowl games in six seasons. In 1960, Bevis was hired as the athletic director at the University of Kentucky. He remained in that position for 13 years, during which time he oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the construction of Commonwealth Stadium. Bevis was a strong advocate for college athletics, believing that they could play a positive role in the lives of student-athletes. He was also a pioneer in the field of athletic administration, and he helped to establish many of the policies and procedures that are still in use today.
Bevis's legacy as a football coach is impressive. He won over 100 games during his career, and he coached numerous players who went on to successful careers in the NFL. He was also a respected figure in the coaching community, and he served on the NCAA's Executive Committee for many years.
3. Athletics administrator
Harold Bevis served as an athletics administrator at the University of Kentucky from 1960 to 1973 and the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987. In this role, he was responsible for the overall operation of the athletic departments at both universities, including budget management, personnel decisions, and strategic planning.
- Leadership
As an athletics administrator, Harold Bevis was a strong leader who made decisions based on what he believed was best for the student-athletes and the university. He was also a good delegator and was able to build a strong team of administrators and coaches who shared his vision for the athletic department.
- Management
Harold Bevis was a skilled manager who was able to oversee the day-to-day operations of the athletic department efficiently and effectively. He was also a good financial manager and was able to keep the athletic department's budget balanced.
- Planning
Harold Bevis was a strategic planner who was able to develop and implement long-term plans for the athletic department. He was also able to identify and address potential problems before they became major issues.
- Communication
Harold Bevis was a good communicator who was able to build relationships with the media, the fans, and the university community. He was also able to effectively communicate the athletic department's goals and objectives to the public.
Harold Bevis's success as an athletics administrator was due to his strong leadership, management, planning, and communication skills. He was a dedicated and passionate administrator who was committed to the success of the student-athletes and the university.
4. University of Kentucky
Harold Bevis's tenure at the University of Kentucky was a transformative period for the athletic department. He oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the construction of Commonwealth Stadium, which opened in 1973.
Bevis was a strong advocate for the University of Kentucky and its athletic programs. He believed that athletics could be a valuable educational experience, teaching student-athletes important life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Bevis's legacy at the University of Kentucky is still felt today. The athletic department is now a major force in the SEC, and Commonwealth Stadium is one of the most iconic college football stadiums in the country.
5. University of Maryland
Harold Bevis served as the athletic director at the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987. During his tenure, he oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the construction of the Comcast Center, which opened in 2002.
Bevis was a strong advocate for the University of Maryland and its athletic programs. He believed that athletics could be a valuable educational experience, teaching student-athletes important life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Bevis's legacy at the University of Maryland is still felt today. The athletic department is now a major force in the ACC, and the Comcast Center is one of the most iconic college basketball arenas in the country.
6. Southeastern Conference
Harold Bevis's tenure as athletic director at the University of Kentucky was marked by the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The SEC is one of the most prestigious college athletic conferences in the United States, and its member institutions are consistently ranked among the best in the country.
- Increased competition
Joining the SEC meant that Kentucky's athletic teams would now be competing against some of the best in the country. This increased competition helped to raise the level of play for Kentucky's teams, and it also gave the school a chance to compete for national championships.
- Increased revenue
The SEC is a major revenue-generating conference, and Kentucky's membership in the SEC has helped to increase the school's athletic budget. This increased revenue has allowed Kentucky to invest in its athletic facilities and programs, which has led to even greater success on the field.
- National recognition
The SEC is one of the most well-known and respected college athletic conferences in the country. Kentucky's membership in the SEC has helped to raise the school's national profile, and it has also given the school a chance to compete for national championships on a regular basis.
- Increased fan support
The SEC is a passionate and loyal fan base, and Kentucky's membership in the SEC has helped to increase fan support for the school's athletic teams. This increased fan support has created a more exciting and electric atmosphere at Kentucky's home games, and it has also helped to generate more revenue for the school.
Harold Bevis's decision to join the SEC was a major turning point in the history of Kentucky athletics. The SEC has helped to make Kentucky a more competitive, successful, and well-known athletic program, and it has also helped to increase fan support for the school's teams.
7. NCAA Executive Committee
Harold Bevis served on the NCAA Executive Committee for many years. The NCAA Executive Committee is a powerful group of individuals who oversee the operations of the NCAA. They are responsible for making decisions on a wide range of issues, including rules and regulations, membership, and finances.
- Governance
The NCAA Executive Committee is responsible for the overall governance of the NCAA. They set policies and procedures, and they oversee the NCAA's day-to-day operations.
- Rulemaking
The NCAA Executive Committee is responsible for making and enforcing the rules and regulations that govern college athletics. They work with the NCAA's rules committees to develop new rules and regulations, and they interpret the existing rules.
- Membership
The NCAA Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the NCAA's membership process. They approve new members and they can also expel members who violate the NCAA's rules and regulations.
- Finances
The NCAA Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the NCAA's finances. They approve the NCAA's budget, and they make decisions on how the NCAA's money is spent.
Harold Bevis's service on the NCAA Executive Committee was a significant contribution to college athletics. He was a respected leader who helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures. He was also a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he worked to ensure that they had a positive experience in college athletics.
FAQs about Harold Bevis
Harold Bevis was a prominent figure in the world of college athletics. He served as athletic director at the University of Kentucky and the University of Maryland, and he was a member of the NCAA Executive Committee. Bevis was a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures.
Question 1: What was Harold Bevis's role in college athletics?
Harold Bevis served as athletic director at the University of Kentucky from 1960 to 1973 and the University of Maryland from 1981 to 1987. He was also a member of the NCAA Executive Committee for many years.
Question 2: What were some of Bevis's accomplishments as athletic director?
As athletic director at Kentucky, Bevis oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the construction of Commonwealth Stadium. At Maryland, he oversaw the athletic department's transition into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the construction of the Comcast Center.
Question 3: What was Bevis's role on the NCAA Executive Committee?
As a member of the NCAA Executive Committee, Bevis helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures. He was also a strong advocate for student-athletes.
Question 4: What was Bevis's legacy in college athletics?
Harold Bevis was a respected leader in college athletics. He was a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures. His legacy continues today through the many student-athletes who have benefited from his leadership.
Question 5: What are some of the challenges that Bevis faced during his career?
One of the biggest challenges that Bevis faced was the integration of college athletics. In the early 1960s, the NCAA was still struggling to integrate its member institutions. Bevis was a strong advocate for integration, and he worked to help the NCAA overcome this challenge.
Question 6: What are some of the lessons that can be learned from Bevis's career?
One of the most important lessons that can be learned from Bevis's career is the importance of leadership. Bevis was a strong leader who was able to motivate and inspire others. He was also a man of integrity who always put the interests of student-athletes first.
Harold Bevis was a true pioneer in the world of college athletics. He was a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures. His legacy continues today through the many student-athletes who have benefited from his leadership.
Harold Bevis passed away in 2019 at the age of 96. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and his four children.
Tips from Harold Bevis
Harold Bevis was a respected leader in college athletics. He served as athletic director at the University of Kentucky and the University of Maryland, and he was a member of the NCAA Executive Committee. Bevis was a strong advocate for student-athletes, and he helped to shape the NCAA's policies and procedures.
Here are five tips from Harold Bevis that can help you succeed in college athletics:
Tip 1: Be a good student.
Your education is your top priority. Make sure you are attending class, studying hard, and getting good grades. Student-athletes who are successful in the classroom are more likely to be successful on the field.
Tip 2: Work hard.
There is no substitute for hard work. If you want to be successful in college athletics, you need to be willing to put in the time and effort. Be prepared to work hard in practice, in the weight room, and in the classroom.
Tip 3: Be a team player.
College athletics is a team sport. You need to be able to work well with your teammates and coaches. Be supportive of your teammates and be willing to do your part to help the team succeed.
Tip 4: Be a leader.
Even if you are not a captain, you can still be a leader on your team. Be a role model for your teammates and help to create a positive team culture.
Tip 5: Have fun.
College athletics should be fun. Enjoy your time as a student-athlete and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Harold Bevis's tips can help you succeed in college athletics. Remember to be a good student, work hard, be a team player, be a leader, and have fun.