The term historian is used to describe someone who is an expert on a particular subject during a particular period. While Bill Healey certainly can absorb that title into the many facets of his time in Pensacola, he is so much more than that to the University of West Florida.
Bill Healey
Having worked at UWF since 1972, he has been at the forefront of the construction – both physical and emotional – of one of the more impressive Division II athletic departments in the country.
He has served as Interim Athletic Director four times – 1980, 1983, 2008 and 2009 – and provided stability to the department at various times of uneasiness. Healey was responsible for heading up the establishment of the UWF East Sports Complex for baseball, soccer, softball and track when athletics were reinstated at the University in 1980. He obtained funding from Florida Legislature and chaired the creation of the $15.8 million HLS Facility on campus in 2005.
During his time leading the UWF recreation department, he developed into one of the more respected and valued leaders of NIRSA for over four decades, eventually earning Legacy Member designation (2013), two National Service Awards (1998, 2009), the Horace Moody Award (2008) and Regional Award of Merit (1995).
Healey has been involved in athletics away from UWF as well, serving on the boards and numerous committees with Pensacola Sports (formerly the Pensacola Sports Association) and the West Florida Waves Volleyball Club. The Springfield, Mass. native was a board member and past president of Pensacola Sports from 2006-10, director of Volleyball Pensacola from 2007-13 and a board member with the West Florida Waves Volleyball Club.
He earned his bachelors degree in physical education and health from Central Missouri State in 1970 and his masters in recreation and park administration from Illinois in 1972. Healey has two daughters, Mary, who graduated from UWF and is currently works in the recreation department at James Madison University, and Rachel, who is a senior at UWF and coaches volleyball at Pensacola Catholic H.S. and with the West Florida Waves.
What was your most memorable moment at UWF?
“I have two that bring me the most pride. When the (intercollegiate athletics) program was brought back (in 1979-80) after President Robinson eliminated athletics in 1975. And also seeing some of the staff members I have hired – from Dave Scott to Jake Marg to Jeff Schmitt and Amy Robinson, among so many others – succeed in their respective departments on campus.”
“UWF has given me a wonderful career. Although many have pointed to the facility development aspect of my job, I am most proud of our student and staff development. We have so many who have started as student assistants, interns or entry level jobs, that are now running programs on campuses around the country. That reflects well for UWF and I am pleased to have had a hand in that. I believe the most rewarding part of leadership is empowering others to lead”
