By Dr. Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
Bowie State University students, alumni and community members assembled Feb. 13 at the Martin L. King auditorium to pay tribute to the late Clyde M. Doughty Jr., vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation and a national leader in the Central Collegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The event united academia and athletics in a moving ceremony, reflecting on Doughty’s lasting legacy.
Doughty, who died unexpectedly on Feb. 2, was warmly remembered by college presidents, clergy, coaches, student athletes, BSU Hall of Fame alumni, and his CIAA family.
Those who shared reflections about Doughty—known as “Cool Mac” to many—spoke of his impact reaching far beyond athletic achievements. Bowie State University President Aminta Breaux remarked, “He gave us moments that reminded us how fully he showed up for people. He made people feel seen; he made people feel valued.”
Appointed athletic director in 2015, Doughty became vice president of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation in 2018, serving in that role until his passing.
“Clyde had plans. He had dreams. We will honor his vision and his spirit,” said Breaux, mentioning Doughty’s vision of a modern football stadium complex to replace Bowie State’s current field, which opened in 1958.
Advancements and achievements
Doughty is credited with elevating Bowie State’s athletic program, both on the field and through facility enhancements such as leading the revision of “Kevin Durant Court” at the campus’ AC Jordan Arena in 2023, the renovated aquatics center featuring an Olympic-sized pool opened to the community, resurfaced tennis courts, a nutrition lounge for student-athletes and more. Under his leadership, the Bowie Bulldogs won numerous CIAA championships, including six consecutive women’s bowling titles, three consecutive championships in football and softball, and a men’s championship in 2017.
Style that raised the bar for everyone
Lou Holder, sports broadcaster and deacon at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International, recalled Doughty’s impeccable style, calm demeanor and unique ability to connect with everyone.
“He raised the bar for everyone around him while helping the university race for excellence,” said Holder before paying tribute by donning a replica of Doughty’s trademark fedora hat and demonstrating that confident “Doughty swagger” to the delight of the audience.
Doughty and the CIAA “family”
Doughty served as president of the CIAA Management Council from 2017 to 2021 and was in the midst of serving a 2025-2026 term at the time of his death. He received numerous awards from the organization and was recognized multiple times as CIAA Director of the Year. The CIAA is one of the nation’s oldest athletic conferences.
CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker described Doughty as her “brother from another mother,” expressing sorrow at the loss of a dedicated athletic director and friend who led many initiatives for the CIAA.
“We need to wrap our arms around our athletic staff,” she said, noting the staff needed to keep students prepared for the upcoming national CIAA Men’s and Women’s basketball tournament, Feb. 24-28.
James DuBose Jr., athletic director at Elizabeth City State University, said, “Clyde Doughty Jr. was a mentor, brother and a friend. I’m grateful for having served with him in the CIAA.” In spite of a basketball game in Virginia the next afternoon, the young director drove from North Carolina to Bowie State for the ceremony. “He will truly be missed,” he added of his colleague, “but his legacy will live on in so many of us.”
A passionate dedication to student athletes
Throughout the evening, presenters noted Doughty’s passion for his student-athletes. His own transition from student-athlete to academic advisor at the New York Institute of Technology (where he spent 38 years before joining Bowie) laid the groundwork for a lifelong connection and concern for the well-being of his student-athletes both on and off the field.
Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) Vice President Madyson Brinson remarked, “He genuinely cared about our stories, our struggles and our goals.” Brinson, a veteran women’s volleyball team member, added, “He had an enormous heart for his athletes and pushed us to be better players and people.”
Mike Davis, a junior varsity men’s basketball player, was determined to attend the service honoring Doughty, despite having to prepare for an important game the next day.
“He changed my life,” said the 6-foot-8-inch transfer student on full athletic scholarship. He credited Doughty for noticing his talent at Frederick Community College. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it weren’t for AD Doughty. It’s fitting that I pay my respects.”
Dr. Jolisa Williams has been appointed to serve as interim vice president of Athletics and Recreation. Williams is a veteran Athletics Department staff member having previously led the program’s external operations and strategic engagement.
Within the first 24 hours of her appointment, Williams led the campus’ announcement of new head football coach Dawson Odums, who comes to Bowie after serving as head coach for Southern University.