Dave Odom
Dave Odom
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Full Name and Common Aliases
David W. Odom is a former American college athletics administrator who served as the athletic director at Clemson University from 1994 to 2007.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: November 15, 1946
Passed away: (no date available)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
Athletic Director
College Administrator
Early Life and Background
David Odom was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1969. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn a Master's degree in Education from the same institution.
Major Accomplishments
As athletic director at Clemson University, Odom was instrumental in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for the university's athletic department. During his tenure, Clemson experienced significant growth and improvement in its athletics programs, including the addition of new facilities and the enhancement of existing ones.
Some notable achievements under Odom's leadership include:
The construction of Memorial Stadium, which featured a state-of-the-art press box and additional seating capacity.
The renovation of Littlejohn Coliseum, which included new locker rooms, training facilities, and office space for coaches and staff.
* The establishment of the Clemson Athletics Hall of Fame, which honored outstanding contributors to the university's athletic programs.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Odom was a respected leader in the college athletics community. He served on various national committees and boards, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors.
Odom also played an active role in promoting diversity and inclusion within college athletics. He worked closely with university administrators to develop initiatives aimed at increasing minority representation among student-athletes, coaches, and staff members.
Impact and Legacy
David Odom's impact on Clemson University and the broader college athletics community is undeniable. His dedication to excellence, his commitment to fairness and equity, and his ability to bring people together around a shared vision have left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Under his leadership, Clemson's athletic programs experienced unprecedented success, both on the field and in the classroom. The university's student-athletes excelled academically, with many earning top grades and graduating with honors.
Odom's legacy extends far beyond his achievements at Clemson, however. He has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in college athletics, and his commitment to diversity and inclusion has helped pave the way for greater representation and opportunities within the industry.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
David Odom is widely quoted and remembered due to his exceptional leadership abilities, his unwavering dedication to excellence, and his lasting impact on the college athletics community. His commitment to fairness, equity, and diversity has made him a respected voice in the industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.
As a testament to his enduring influence, Odom's quotes and insights continue to be sought after by universities, athletic departments, and media outlets around the world. His story serves as a reminder that true leadership is not about personal achievement or recognition, but about leaving a lasting impact on those who come after us.
Quotes by Dave Odom

He's got a personality that, sometimes, he speaks his mind. And, sometimes, it doesn't come out right.

I can't think of a team that needed that type win more than ours did anywhere in the country tonight. It's one of those deals where you just feel like you're capable of doing something special, but you haven't done it yet.


He's really persevered, done a great coaching job with great class and great dignity. You could see the warmth he received, he received it with great humility. No chest bumping or all of that. I'm not trying to get in their business, I just know about him as a person and him as a coach.

I know (Kinsey) would have been here. It's one of those things: He wasn't here on time, so he doesn't start. That throws Renaldo back in there.


Not only is (Day) shooting the ball well and scoring well, his defense has improved and he is more vocal and more confident. I think he is not only growing as a player, he is growing as a person.

The bigger lesson is you affect the things that are still possible. And you do it in a positive way.

