Bolivar, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University president, Dr. Rick Melson, announced Clark Sheehy as the new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Wednesday afternoon. Sheehy has served the school faithfully the past 12 years, first as basketball coach from 2014-2023, then as Athletic Director since summer of 2022.
 
"Clark Sheehy has taken our athletics department to new heights while continuing to emphasize the importance of character and Christlikeness in the lives of our student-athletes," Dr. Melson said. "He and his coaches are developing Bearcats who are champions for Christ on and off the field."
 
Under Sheehy's leadership, SBU has expanded its portfolio of NCAA Division II sports to 22 total programs and more than 450 student-athletes. Sports added in recent years include men's and women's swimming, men's volleyball, and men's golf. Sheehy has increased fundraising within the department by nearly 150% from his first year to his fourth. As well, corporate sponsorships has increased 180% in the past four years.
 
Success under Sheehy's leadership has expanded beyond the field as Bearcat student-athletes have exceled in the classroom. Departmental GPA's have been some of the highest in the school's history including 3.37 GPA this past year. Annual GLVC academic awards have increased exponentially, with team awards nearly doubling and individual awards increasing each year starting at 200 in year one to 311 in 2025-26. In addition, SBU has won the GLVC Sportsmanship Award for three consecutive years, the only school to ever achieve this accomplishment in GLVC history.
 
Clark Sheehy has helped elevate the visibility and culture of SBU Athletics by creating new traditions and expanding the department's presence both on and off campus. Signature events like the annual Purple Carpet Premiere have become a celebration of Bearcat student-athletes and their accomplishments, while traditions such as singing the SBU Fight Song after every victory have strengthened school pride and unity. Under his leadership, the department has also significantly increased its social media presence, including over 10 million views on Instagram alone this past year. This has provided greater exposure for student-athletes, teams, and the university while connecting more effectively with alumni, fans, and prospective students.
 
"I am very thankful to Dr. Melson and the leadership of SBU.  We have a strong administrative team and coaches, and we are so thankful for the great work that we get to do with SBU Athletics."