He graduated an Explorer in 1969. Fifty years later, he’s retiring as head of the Explorers. 

On January, 15, William “Bill” Bradshaw, ’69, Intercollegiate Division I Athletic Director, announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2019. 

“To have the opportunity to finish my 40-year career as a Division I Athletic Director back at my alma mater, where it all began, has been more than special,” Bradshaw said. “These past three-plus years at La ­Salle have been among the most enjoyable of my career, and I feel certain that the seeds we’ve planted will bear fruit for years to come.”

Since returning to La ­Salle, Bradshaw led the successful hosting of the Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship East Regional at the Wells Fargo Center and has hired 13 head coaches including head men’s basketball coach, Ashley Howard, and head women’s coach, Mountain MacGillivray. He also helped the Athletic Department reached a multi-year partnership with Under Armour, La ­Salle’s first-ever all-sport agreement with an apparel company. 

Bradshaw began his career in athletics as an assistant baseball coach at Niagara University, before becoming head coach for two seasons from 1973-74. He returned to La ­Salle when he was named Director of Athletics in 1978. After nine years, Bradshaw transitioned to a similar role at DePaul University (1986-2002) and later Temple (2002-13), before returning to the Explorers in 2016.

 A member of several “Halls of Fame,” including the La ­Salle Hall of Athletes, the NACDA Hall of Fame and the Greater Buffalo Hall of Fame, he has overseen record revenues at each institution he has worked and has been a pivotal part of his sport programs advancing to NCAA Championships over 100 times in 15 different sports – including 32 appearances in the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

“We are grateful for Bill’s many contributions to Explorer Athletics and the La ­Salle community,” says Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D., President of La ­Salle. “His leaving is bittersweet, but the impact of his passion for La ­Salle Athletics leaves a legacy we all can admire.”

“I am grateful to President Hanycz, our student-athletes, coaches, and staff for their significant efforts toward what promises to be an exceptional future for Explorer Athletics,” Bradshaw siad. “The La ­Salle community has taught me invaluable lessons and has deeply solidified Explorer pride in my heart.”