Wade Houston '66, '73

 

Wade Houston received his Master of Education in Counseling & Personnel Services in 1973 and his Bachelor of Science in History and Health & Physical Education in 1966 from the University of Louisville. Wade also received an honorary doctorate from Spalding University in 2002.

In 1963, Houston joined the University of Louisville Men’s Basketball team, becoming one of the first three African American players to receive a scholarship. After graduation, he played and coached basketball in France, then returned to Louisville, teaching and coaching at Ahrens and Male High School. In 1975, Houston joined the Cardinals as an assistant coach under Denny Crum, becoming the first African American to serve in this role. In 1989, he joined the Tennessee Volunteers as head coach, becoming the first African American head coach of a major sport in the Southeastern Conference.

After his distinguished career in sports, Houston co-founded HJI Supply Chain Solutions, the largest minority-owned transportation company in North America. Now retired, a second generation of his family runs the company. Houston also founded the African American Business Alliance. He established the Houston-Bridgeman scholarship program with Junior Bridgeman, another University of Louisville alumnus and basketball player. Houston has served on the boards of Old National Bank, The Rawlings Group, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

Wade’s wife, Alice, is also a College of Education & Human Development alumna and recipient of Alumna of the Year (2020) and Alumni Fellow in the College of Education & Human Development (2004). Wade and Alice live in Louisville and have three children.