Hollis Conway is coming home.
Conway, a track and field star at the University from 1986-1989, has returned to his alma mater as the Athletic Department’s new assistant director for diversity, leadership and education.
He was a six-time NCAA All-American and three-time national champion in the high jump. He also won two medals for the U.S. during the 1988 and the 1992 Summer Olympics. Conway retired from competition in 2001.
His track and field career is over, but Conway is still contributing to Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns athletics.
Conway looks forward to helping “produce champions in competition, on campus and in every aspect of life."
"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 will be given to all current and future students and athletes,” he said.
Dr. Bryan Maggard, director of Athletics, announced Conway’s new role on Wednesday. The hire is pending approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.
"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.
Conway will develop, plan and implement the Geaux Cajuns Program. It is designed to provide guidance to student-athletes in many ways, including with leadership, personal and career development, and health and wellness.
He will research and evaluate student-athlete support services, develop community engagement programs, and assist with student-athlete event planning.
Conway will also work with the University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the governing body for student-athletes.
A native of Chicago, Conway is a member of the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the UL Athletics Hall of Fame. He is a speaker and the author of two motivational books: “Yes I Can” and “Grasshopper.”