Bobby Smitheran Named Executive Director of Athletics
8/1/2023 11:01:00 AM | General
Smitheran brings over 20 years of experience working in intercollegiate athletics.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State University welcomes Bobby Smitheran as its next executive director of athletics. Smitheran's appointment, announced by Scott Apel, vice president and chief financial officer at Cal State Long Beach, is set to begin on Aug. 21.
"I am grateful to the search committee for their hard work conducting this national effort," said Apel. "Bobby understands the student-athlete, knowing what it takes for them to both grow individually and win as a team. He brings the experience, track record, and vision to move our program forward."
Smitheran comes to The Beach with more than two decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics. He currently serves as executive associate athletics director for student-athlete academic support services at San Diego State University. He has also served as director of compliance, director of football operations, and student-athlete services coordinator.
Before his positions with the Aztecs, he served as assistant athletics director for compliance and student support and director of compliance at UC Irvine as well as compliance coordinator at the University of North Texas.
"Long Beach State University has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence and it is my honor and privilege to lead Beach Athletics into the future," said Smitheran. "I am thankful for President Conoley and Vice President Apel entrusting me with this leadership opportunity to serve the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent the institution and tremendous community of Long Beach."
Smitheran earned his bachelor's degree in communication and master's degree in physical education with a specialization in sports administration from the University of New Mexico. As an undergrad, he was a member of the baseball team, serving as team captain during his senior year.
More information about Smitheran is included in his bio here.
Smitheran will be introduced to the campus and Long Beach community at a press conference in the coming days. The date and time will be announced soon.
"I am grateful to the search committee for their hard work conducting this national effort," said Apel. "Bobby understands the student-athlete, knowing what it takes for them to both grow individually and win as a team. He brings the experience, track record, and vision to move our program forward."
Smitheran comes to The Beach with more than two decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics. He currently serves as executive associate athletics director for student-athlete academic support services at San Diego State University. He has also served as director of compliance, director of football operations, and student-athlete services coordinator.
Before his positions with the Aztecs, he served as assistant athletics director for compliance and student support and director of compliance at UC Irvine as well as compliance coordinator at the University of North Texas.
"Long Beach State University has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence and it is my honor and privilege to lead Beach Athletics into the future," said Smitheran. "I am thankful for President Conoley and Vice President Apel entrusting me with this leadership opportunity to serve the student-athletes, coaches, and staff who represent the institution and tremendous community of Long Beach."
Smitheran earned his bachelor's degree in communication and master's degree in physical education with a specialization in sports administration from the University of New Mexico. As an undergrad, he was a member of the baseball team, serving as team captain during his senior year.
More information about Smitheran is included in his bio here.
Smitheran will be introduced to the campus and Long Beach community at a press conference in the coming days. The date and time will be announced soon.
