Wright State Athletic Director Bob Grant retiring, leaves legacy of athletic excellence
3/13/2024 10:45:00 AM | General
DAYTON – Bob Grant, director of athletics at Wright State University, will retire after more than 30 years of dedicated service to Wright State and its Athletic Department, effective March 31.
"Bob leaves a legacy marked by extraordinary success and an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes," said Wright State University President Sue Edwards, Ph.D.
Joylynn Brown, deputy director of athletics, will serve as the interim director of athletics.
"Joylynn brings a wealth of experience to the role and a steadfast passion for the success of Wright State Athletics and its student-athletes," Edwards said.
Named the director of athletics in 2008, Grant introduced a vision that revolutionized the Athletic Department's culture and trajectory.
By embracing the mission statement "PSA: People, Student, Athlete," Wright State Athletics has prioritized student-athletes' holistic development. This student-centered approach led to remarkable growth and achievement, setting the stage for successful fundraising, state-of-the-art facility construction and the recruitment of top-tier coaching talent.
Throughout Grant's tenure, Wright State Athletics achieved success across all sports, culminating in numerous milestones. Highlights include the Raiders' first-ever Horizon League All Sports Award in 2019 and landmark NCAA victories in men's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, and men's basketball. Notably, the volleyball program secured the university's first at-large NCAA tournament bid in 2019.
Under Grant's leadership, Wright State's athletic programs experienced numerous notable achievements, including:
A Wright State alum, Grant's journey from undergraduate student to director of athletics epitomizes dedication and service. His leadership roles in the NCAA and in the community engagement, such as serving on the board of the YMCA of Greater Dayton and his recognition as an 88th Air Base Wing honorary commander, reflect his commitment to holistic impact.
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"Bob leaves a legacy marked by extraordinary success and an unwavering commitment to our student-athletes," said Wright State University President Sue Edwards, Ph.D.
Joylynn Brown, deputy director of athletics, will serve as the interim director of athletics.
"Joylynn brings a wealth of experience to the role and a steadfast passion for the success of Wright State Athletics and its student-athletes," Edwards said.
Named the director of athletics in 2008, Grant introduced a vision that revolutionized the Athletic Department's culture and trajectory.
By embracing the mission statement "PSA: People, Student, Athlete," Wright State Athletics has prioritized student-athletes' holistic development. This student-centered approach led to remarkable growth and achievement, setting the stage for successful fundraising, state-of-the-art facility construction and the recruitment of top-tier coaching talent.
Throughout Grant's tenure, Wright State Athletics achieved success across all sports, culminating in numerous milestones. Highlights include the Raiders' first-ever Horizon League All Sports Award in 2019 and landmark NCAA victories in men's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, and men's basketball. Notably, the volleyball program secured the university's first at-large NCAA tournament bid in 2019.
Under Grant's leadership, Wright State's athletic programs experienced numerous notable achievements, including:
- 15 combined NCAA tournament appearances since 2018 after only 12 in the previous 31 years of Division I play.
- Best overall (61%) and conference (67%) team winning percentages in the Horizon League from 2018 to 2023.
- The men's basketball team's historic NCAA tournament victory in 2022
- The baseball program's emergence as one of Ohio's best collegiate program, boasting multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
- The men's golf program's breakthrough NCAA tournament appearances and individual accolades.
- The women's basketball team's first NCAA Tournament win in 2021, alongside consistent postseason appearances.
- Men's soccer's national top-25 ranking and debut NCAA tournament berth in 2019.
- Volleyball securing the first NCAA at-large selection in Wright State athletics history in 2019. The Raiders also returned to the NCAA Championship in 2023 for the fourth time in five seasons.
A Wright State alum, Grant's journey from undergraduate student to director of athletics epitomizes dedication and service. His leadership roles in the NCAA and in the community engagement, such as serving on the board of the YMCA of Greater Dayton and his recognition as an 88th Air Base Wing honorary commander, reflect his commitment to holistic impact.
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Exceeding Expectations
Friday, March 27
Wright State Men's Basketball Postgame - Virginia (NCAA First Round 3/20/26)
Sunday, March 22
Wright State Men's Basketball Postgame - Detroit Mercy (HL Championship 3/10/26)
Wednesday, March 11
Wright State Men's Basketball Postgame - Northern Kentucky (HL Semifinals 3/9/26)
Tuesday, March 10
