Clyde Doughty Jr.: A Legacy of Excellence and Advocacy for HBCU Athletics

Clyde Doughty Jr., the longtime Athletic Director at Bowie State University and a respected leader in HBCU athletics, has passed away, the university announced on Tuesday. Doughty's unwavering commitment to student-athletes and his tireless efforts to elevate HBCU sports have left an indelible mark on the Bowie State Bulldogs and the HBCU community as a whole.

Doughty joined Bowie State in 2015 and was later elevated to Vice President of Athletics and Recreation in 2018. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs became a formidable force in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), securing multiple conference championships in football, women's basketball, and track and field. His vision and dedication to athletic and academic excellence transformed the Bowie State program, setting a new standard for HBCU sports.

Prior to his tenure at Bowie State, Doughty spent over three decades at his alma mater, the New York Institute of Technology, where he served as Athletic Director and later as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. Throughout his illustrious career, Doughty was renowned for his unwavering commitment to mentoring student-athletes, ensuring they excelled not only on the field but also in the classroom and beyond.

Doughty's impact on Bowie State's athletic facilities, scholarship opportunities, and community engagement is widely recognized. He played a pivotal role in modernizing the university's athletic infrastructure and creating partnerships that elevated the Bulldogs' profile, both on and off the field.

"We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Clyde Doughty Jr., vice president of Bowie State Athletics and recreation," the university said in a statement. "Since joining Bowie State in 2015 and being elevated to vice president in 2018, his leadership and vision helped shape a standard of excellence for Bulldog Athletics. His legacy will forever remain. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Bowie State community."

HBCUConnect.com Perspective: The passing of Clyde Doughty Jr. is a profound loss for the HBCU community. As a respected leader and advocate, Doughty's impact extended far beyond the Bowie State Bulldogs. He was a tireless champion for HBCU athletics, using his influence and expertise to elevate the profile of smaller institutions and create more equitable opportunities for student-athletes. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of HBCU leaders, who will carry on his mission of empowering and uplifting the HBCU community through the transformative power of sports.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.