UWF HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF 2012-13
Ewell Howard has been a mainstay for the University of West Florida Department of Intercollegiate Athletics for 42 years. Howard has not only been an essential part of the department, but he has been a mentor and leader for Argonaut student-athletes for over four decades.
A native of Troy, Ala., Howard attended Troy University (then known as Troy State College) and then worked there assisting the athletic department from 1962 to 1970. Howard then started at the University of West Florida on January 4, 1971, a date he recites by memory.
When he started in 1971, the UWF Field House was home to two other departments in addition to athletics: Recreation and Sports Services and the academic department Health, Leisure and Exercise Science. He was instrumental to all three departments, assisting in their use of the various athletic facilities.
Howard is currently the equipment manager for athletics, assisting in the operations of athletic events at the field house. In addition to setting up the volleyball nets and other essential operations duties, he also greets visiting teams and officials as they arrive at the gym, welcoming them to the university and directing them where to go.
Ewell is also known for his badminton skills, and over the years he has challenged, and defeated, many UWF faculty, staff and students.
Howard has built relationships with countless staff and student-athletes during his time with UWF athletics, and he has made an impact in many lives. He gives thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to be placed in such a wonderful position and considers the department members his family and the university his home away from home.
Howard is married to Annie Howard and has a daughter Lynn Howard Young and son-in-law is Robert Young. Ewell and Annie also have two granddaughters Kiaria Lyles and Amari Young, and one goddaughter Angela Mathis.
UWF Athletics Quotes:
"Ewell has assisted thousands of student-athletes over the years and made visiting teams and officials feel welcome to UWF.” – Richard Berg, former UWF Athletic Director
“Ewell has been helping people his entire life and for over 40 years at the University of West Florida. We have received so many positive comments from officials and visiting teams as Ewell is usually the first person who welcomes them when they arrive. Ewell is probably one the most recognizable ambassadors for the university.” – Dave Scott, current UWF Athletic Director
“I don't know UWF athletics without Ewell. He is such amazing ambassador for everything that UWF stands for. He is always helping out with anything he can, supporting our coaches and student-athletes and welcoming our opposing teams. Ewell has a huge heart and I'm blessed to be able to call him my colleague and friend.” – UWF Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Wolter
"Mr. Howard is the epitome of what it means to be an 'Argo' - he meets every person with a smile while going above and beyond for everyone he can." - former UWF women's basketball student-athlete and assistant coach Jessie Ivey
