Bio

Randy Graves was appointed to dean of athletics in February of 2024 after serving as interim dean of athletics since June of 2023. Graves initially came to Hill College as dean of students and continues to serve in that role in addition to his recent appointment as dean of athletics.

Prior to joining Hill College, Graves served as athletic director and vice president of student affairs at Carl Albert State College (CASC) in Poteau, Oklahoma, from 2016–2021.While at CASC, Graves developed the Viking’s athletic program, taking it from a primarily baseball and softball program to one that now includes cross country, esports, men and women’s wrestling, and competitive cheer. In addition, he led numerous fundraising campaigns for the college’s athletic facilities, including updating the softball field, cross country courses, new scoreboards, and renovations to the recreation center, among other projects.

The cross country, esports, and women’s wrestling teams were the first community college programs established in Oklahoma. The men’s wrestling team was the second community college program started in the state.

During his time at CASC as athletic director, 79 athletes graduated, 25 were name Phi Theta Kappa. Forty-five athletes and 11 teams (softball, women’s cross country, and baseball) received National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic honors. Twelve baseball students and seven softball athletes received NJCAA athletic honors.

Under his leadership, over 30 student athletes went on to transfer to NCAA DI, DII, and NAIA programs, 30 in baseball, two of which went pro; three in softball; and one in cross country. Graves also served as the NJCAA Region 2 cross country chair from 2017–2021 as well as the NJCAAE Region 2 esports chair from 2019–2021.

Prior to his position at CASC, Graves worked with the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs in Arkansas before moving onto student services positions at Panola College and Galveston College. He has an associate degree from CASC, a Bachelor of Science in health, physical education, and recreation/education from Southeastern University in Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in human resource development/education from the University of Texas Tyler.

He and his wife, D’Leisa, have one daughter, Sydney. She is a recent graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University.