Xavier University Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2007
- Class:
- 1957
Dr. Bill Daily, who served as Chair of the Athletic Board, Chair of the Selection Committee for Head Basketball Coach, and Chair of the Communications Arts Department, was an integral component in the development and continued success of Xavier Division I athletics, especially the men's basketball program. Among his many contributions, he was instrumental in assuring the future of Xavier basketball through his leadership as Chair of the Athletic Board and Chair of the Selection Committee for Head Coach during the 1978-1979 academic year when Xavier hired Bob Staak as head coach/athletic director, a pivotal time in Xavier athletic history. His loyalty and devotion to and passion for the University are evidenced through his many contributions to the athletic and academic environments.
Dr. Daily, a 1957 graduate of Xavier, became actively involved with Xavier athletics in 1964 when he was named assistant basketball coach under Don Ruberg. He continued in this position through 1968. In 1969 Dr. Daily was appointed to the Xavier faculty, earning tenure in 1973, being promoted to associate professor in 1997 and to full professor in 1980, and serving multiple terms as chair of the Communications Arts Department.   As a faculty member he taught and mentored numerous Xavier athletes. In December 2006 he retired as a professor of Communications Arts.
Dr. Daily served on the Athletic Board from 1975 to 1984, including service as Secretary in 1975, Chair from 1977-1984,  Chair of the Selection Committee for Head Coach in 1979, and special service as Chair of the Selection Committee for Head Coach in 1985. He has also served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Task Force (1990) and from 1993-1994 participated in the Football Feasibility Task Force. While a member of the Athletic Board, Dr. Daily was the driving force in assuring the commitment and financial support to Xavier basketball by the administration, staff, and supporters. Importantly, while Chair he was involved in the establishment of the Xavier Athletic Hall of Fame.
