Texas Southern University (TSU) has named Ashley Robinson as its new Vice President and Director of Athletics and Corey Lowery as the head coach of the men’s basketball program, a move that comes amid intense scrutiny of the school’s hiring practices.
A contested appointment
The announcements follow weeks of public pushback from students, staff, players and alumni who questioned the transparency of the selection process and voiced support for interim coach Shyrone Chatman and alumnus Tony Wyllie.
Robinson brings a distinguished résumé, having steered Jackson State University’s athletic department to 19 championships and captured the 2022‑23 C.D. Henry Award as the SWAC’s top men’s sports program. His leadership at Jackson State was marked by national recognition and a sustained winning culture.
Lowery, meanwhile, arrives with 27 years of coaching experience and a career record of 266‑73. He most recently guided Seton Hall to a 2024 NIT National Championship, underscoring his ability to compete at a high level.
TSU President J.W. Crawford III addressed the controversy during a press conference, acknowledging the concerns while emphasizing that the new leadership will prioritize student‑athletes’ experiences and continue the university’s tradition of basketball excellence. He also pledged to improve communication around future hiring decisions.
The appointments reflect a pivotal moment for TSU athletics, a program eager to rebuild its competitive edge while navigating internal disagreements that have surfaced over the past months.