On Nov. 3, Samford University announced it would be extending Athletic Director Martin Newton’s contract until June of 2028. Newton has held the position of Athletic Director since 2011, and the contract extension came with a new title: Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Martin’s new position still involves all his duties as athletic director but comes with more leadership responsibilities.
“It’s a tremendous honor that Dr. Taylor and the Board of Trustees provided me with this new title, and I hope it’s a reflection of my dedication, loyalty and passion for Samford,” Newton said.
Beck Taylor, University President and renewer of Newton’s contract, said the new position “reflects the important leadership role athletic directors play at universities like Samford… Martin’s experience and scope of responsibility warrant such a title, and I was happy to appoint him as a vice president.”
In Newton’s time at the university, Samford Athletics won 83 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships, 2,735 student athletes have been named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll and the graduation rate among student athletes is 98%.
“During Martin Newton’s tenure as Samford’s athletic director, our student-athletes and coaches have consistently reached new heights, and Samford is a premier mid-major/FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) program,” Taylor stated.
Newton served a five-year appointment to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, and in 2026-27, he will serve as committee chair. He also served on the NCAA Division I Council, the NCAA Council Coordination Committee and the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. He said that serving on these committees has been a very rewarding experience professionally and personally.
Newton’s experience in collegiate basketball spans over 50 years. He was a member of Samford University’s Men’s Basketball team from 1979-83. Newton said that many things have changed in Samford Athletics since his time as a student athlete, like the improvement of athletic facilities and the addition of many sports.
Newton stated that the university’s commitment to winning and understanding the value that athletics brings to campus has improved as well.
“The fact that Athletic Success is one of the key pillars in the University Strategic Plan shows that growth and commitment to athletics,” Newton stated.
As for his greatest experiences at Samford, Newton said that he loves witnessing Samford student-athletes achieve new heights through hard work and dedication.
“Their discipline to attend 5 a.m. conditioning, then go to classes, return for afternoon practices and games, all while excelling in the classroom and field of competition, is amazing to me,” Newton stated.
Newton also said that being a part of the Samford community, one where people “genuinely care for one another”, has also been rewarding.
As for his future at Samford, Newton stated that the plan is to continue to represent the university well in all that Samford Athletics does.
“Our mission statement for athletics is to equip student-athletes to earn a degree, pursue championships, and grow in a Christ-centered environment. Unlike a lot of larger state institutions, we understand our role within the university echo system and will never waver from the mission of the university,” Newton stated.
Staff Reporter
