Dr. Haywood Strickland oversaw the transformation of the Wiley athletic program from mediocre status to a perennial competitor for RRAC titles and national championships. His tenure as president and CEO at the school stretched from 2000-18, beginning in the early years of the RRAC and including a stint as Chair of the RRAC Council of Presidents. He was previously the president of RRAC member Texas College. 

As a result of Strickland's commitment to Wiley's athletic program, the Wildcats captured their a national championship in men's track and field (2018), 16 RRAC team titles (11 regular season and five tournament), two RRAC GPA Awards, and 31 NAIA national championship appearances.  

Strickland sparked the launch of the Wiley women's soccer program and restarted the school's men's soccer team while reopening the Fred T. Long Student Union Building. He was well respected on campus and across the conference. Strickland believed in community service and moved Wiley forward with honesty and integrity. 

Strickland retired following the 2017-18 school year, and the Strickland Learning Center dormitory was named in his honor.

"Before Dr. Strickland arrived at Wiley, winning was a distant thought," said Andre Payne, former Wiley assistant athletic director and head men's basketball coach. "Under his leadership, Wiley started producing dominant programs. Dr. Strickland did it by financially investing into his athletic programs without sacrificing academics." 

Wiley Athletics:

2018 NAIA Men's Track & Field National Championship

31 NAIA championship appearances

16 RRAC championships

Two-time RRAC GPA Award winner