Lewis Achieves Her Goals Fulfilling Others Dreams

Bev Lewis received a clock recently, while being recognized by the University of Arkansas for 30 years of service as an employee.

Perhaps more appropriate given the depth of Lewis’ contribution to the school — and to its women’s athletic programs, in particular — was the request made by Bob and Marilyn Bogle when they gave the lead gift for a training facility built specifically for female athletes. The Bogles wanted Lewis’ name on the building.

Lewis, 53, was honored as part of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s inaugural Forty Under 40 class in 1997. During a recent lunch at Ella’s Restaurant inside the Inn at Carnall Hall on the UA campus, Lewis said her aim hasn’t changed.

“I got into coaching because I wanted to help young people achieve their dreams and I got into administration because I felt I could have a bigger impact and I could help coaches achieve their dreams,” said Lewis, who came to the UA as a track coach. “I don’t think that’s changed even though we’ve combined [athletic] departments.

“I’m still trying to help Arkansas be the best it can be in all sports, and trying to help our coaches and student-athletes achieve their dreams and goals.”

Lewis became athletic director of the women’s department in 1989, and is one of the few holdovers from that regime since UA athletic director Jeff Long merged the men’s and women’s departments more than three years ago. Her official title is associate vice chancellor and executive associate athletic director.

As such, Lewis oversees 11 UA athletic teams and the media relations office. She’s also in charge of the department’s strength and conditioning programs, and its trainers and physicians.

Additionally, Lewis handles Title IX compliance duties and chairs a handful of committees. In other words, she is second only to Long not just in title, but in fingerprints on the athletic department.

“I’d like to think I embraced the change,” Lewis said of the merging of departments. “I think we went through it as seamlessly as anybody in the country did.”

And while Lewis said she remains focused on “embracing what we’re doing and where we’re headed with the athletic department … trying to be successful in all the different areas of athletic competition and academically,” she did allow herself to glance back at some of what she’s done over the last three decades.

One period that stands out includes 1997. That year was part of a stretch that included major expansion within the women’s department.

“That’s something, when I look back at my accomplishments, that I probably feel best about,” Lewis said, “being part of increasing opportunities for young women by adding volleyball, golf, soccer and gymnastics.

“That was about the time we were doing a lot of that. The other part was fundraising for facilities.”

The results came in the form of a new soccer stadium, softball park and the aforementioned Lewis Center, which houses not just a 7,000-SF strength and conditioning area for female athletes, but a 15,000-SF gymnastics training facility.

She has also served the NCAA at some of its highest levels, including stints on its Management Council and Championships Cabinet.

Lewis said those times made her feel like she “had the chance to contribute to collegiate athletics and set some policies and structure and vision for where that was headed.”

Currently, Lewis is part of the Southeastern Conference’s executive committee, though she deflected questions about expansion with a smile.

“I think everybody knows it’s coming,” she said, “but I’m not going to talk about individual schools.”

Lewis did talk about her rare free time, which she enjoys spending with her husband, Harley, and their two Labrador retrievers. The Lewises also own a home near the White River and a lakefront property in Michigan.

“I will fish occasionally,” Lewis said with another smile, “but a lot of times I’m just sitting on the deck with a book — peace and quiet.”

More often, though, Lewis stays busy doing the same basic thing she’s been doing ever since she came to Arkansas.

“You always want to be sure you’re giving back, that you’re helping others,” she said. “If you help others achieve their dreams and goals, yours come true, too.”