Former Track & Field: Hollis Conway Joins University Staff in Leadership Role

LAFAYETTE – University of Louisiana track and field great Hollis Conway has returned to his alma mater where he will assist the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department through his role as the assistant director for diversity, leadership and education.
 
Director of Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard announced the addition of the two-time Olympic medalist and well-known motivational speaker to the Ragin’ Cajuns staff on Wednesday.
 
Conway will develop, plan and implement the Geaux Cajuns Program which is designed to provide leadership and guidance to student-athletes in accordance with the following five pillars: community engagement, leadership, career development, personal development, and health and wellness.
 
"Hollis is a tremendous ambassador for the University of Louisiana and will make a positive impact on our student-athletes, staff, campus, and community," Maggard said. "As we launch our Geaux Cajuns student-athlete development program, Hollis will help enhance the overall championship caliber experience for our young men and women. His ability to develop transformational leaders will provide our student-athletes a foundation for a lifetime of success. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Hollis and Dr. Jessica Leger as we build an exceptional program, focusing on diversity, citizenship, and leadership."
 
In his role, Conway will also research and evaluate the student-athlete support services system, collaborate with parties for planning major student-athlete events and develop and implement community engagement programs. He will also assist with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 
"We are thrilled to have Hollis Conway return to the campus community," Director of Equity, Diversity and Community Engagement Dr. Taniecea Mallery said. "He will be a role model to our student-athletes and an invaluable resource to all students through supporting the initiatives of the Office for Campus Diversity."
 
Conway was a six-time NCAA All-American, six-time conference champion and three-time NCAA champion for the Ragin’ Cajuns from 1986-89. He enjoyed a decorated international career that included Olympic medals for high jump in the 1988 and 1992 games. Since retiring from jumping in 2001, he’s impacted lives through his motivational speaking company Overcoming Obstacles, Inc.
 
"My family and I are absolutely ecstatic to be coming home," Conway stated. "The city of Lafayette, the University and the Ragin’ Cajuns family has always been very near and dear to my heart. Thank you to Dr. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Bryan Maggard, Dr. Taniecea Mallery, Dr. Jessica Leger and everyone else who played a role in making mine and my family’s dream come true.
 
"It is my hope that I can be a small part in making sure that all the love, patience, persistence and generosity that was offered to me as a student-athlete be given to all current and future students and athletes of Cajun Nation," Conway added. "It is my hope that we continue to produce champions in competition, on campus and in every aspect of life."
 
The Chicago, Ill., native was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2015 and is also a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the UL Athletics Hall of Fame. He is the author of two motivational books: Yes I Can and Grasshopper.
 
For more information on Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics and its 16 sports programs, visit RaginCajuns.com. Fans can also follow along on Facebook (/RaginCajunsAthletics),Twitter (@ULRaginCajuns) and Instagram (@ULRaginCajuns).
 
Athletic Network Footnote by Dr. Ed Dugas.
Click here for Hollis’ Athletic Network profile.
Click here for some photos of Hollis in the 1988 Track & Field photo gallery.