Henderson State University Athletics

Dr. Alvin Futrell is the 2017 recipient of the Willie Tate Meritorious Humanitarian Award. The award honors those who truly define the word "humanitarian", positively influence the betterment of the community and represent the meaning of the "Reddie Spirit."
Futrell earned his B.S.E. in physical education in 1970 and his M.S.E in physical education in 1975. He went on to receive his Ed.S. in educational administration from Arkansas State in 1980, and his Ed.D. in secondary education from Ball State in 1987.
Futrell was a member of the Reddies basketball team from 1966 to 1970 and was part of two AIC Championship teams. The 1967-68 Reddies claimed the NAIA District 17 title and advanced to the NAIA Regionals. The following year, Henderson would again win the NAIA District 17 Championship and would appear in the NAIA Regional finals.
Futrell joined the Henderson faculty in 1974 and became associate professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education in 1975. He was named director of teacher admissions and field experiences in 1987, and also became a professor in the Department of Secondary Education.
Futrell did postdoctoral work at Harvard University in 1992. He became Henderson’s first assistant to the president for diversity in 1999 and served in that position until his retirement in 2007.
In 1995, Futrell established the Summer Institute for prospective college students, and formed the President’s Council on Diversity in 1999. He also established the HSU Male Leadership and Mentoring Program.
A big supporter of Henderson athletics, Dr. Futrell secured a grant from the NCAA to help fund an assistant women’s administrator and coordinator of athletic success.
Futrell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1970-74. His lives in Little Rock with his wife Brenda who graduated from Henderson in 1972.
In 2009, Futrell was presented Henderson’s Distinguished Alumni Award.