Jacksonville State University (JSU) senior associate athletic director and United States Sports Academy alumnus Dr. Greg Bonds was recently elected to the Marshall County (Ala.) Sports Hall of Fame (MCSHOF).
A graduate and former letterman in basketball and football at Douglas High School in Marshall County, Bonds was formally inducted into the MCSHOF in June at the Hall’s annual banquet at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge. Bonds holds a Doctor of Education degree in sports management from the Academy, which he earned in 2016 while working within the JSU athletic department.
“The educational experience I received at the United States Sports Academy enhanced my professional career,” Bonds said. “My involvement with intercollegiate athletics spans over 25 years. The Academy helped broaden my knowledge base while strengthening my leadership skills, scholarly activity, and professional engagement needed in today’s ever-changing environment.
“I had a tremendous experience as a doctoral student at the Academy. The curriculum was meaningful, challenging, and rigorous. The quality of education I received was relevant and significant. The faculty were always very supportive and encouraging.”
Bonds has spent more than 30 years on staff at JSU, beginning in 1990 as a graduate assistant coach with the women’s basketball program. Following the 1990-91 season, Bonds was hired on as a full-time assistant coach for the women’s basketball team and served in that role until 1996. As a GA, Bonds helped the Gamecocks claim the Gulf South Conference regular-season and tournament titles, as well as an appearance in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight. In 1992-93, JSU won the GSC Tournament Championship with Bonds serving as an assistant.
“The online approach provided by the Academy allowed me to continue working full-time while pursuing a terminal degree. The time demands associated with Division I athletics administration extend well beyond the traditional 9 to 5 work day, with many nights and weekends spent on the job. The online approach allowed me to complete the degree requirements anytime and anywhere.
“I would highly recommend others to pursue a degree from the Academy. The online programs eliminated any barriers related to time and distance.”
In his more than three decades of service at JSU, Bonds has served on 10 university committees. Including his numerous JSU duties, he was appointed to the Alabama Athlete Agent Commission and became a member of the College Athletic Business Management Association in 2008, and in 2009 he joined the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. He was added to the NCAA Division I Spending Plan Questionnaire Review Group in 2017, and in 2018 was named to the NCAA Division I Amateurism Fact-Finding Committee. Since 2017, Bonds has served as a Regional Site Representative for the NCAA Division I Baseball Championships.
