Tech’s vision for Golden Eagle football inspires gift to new Football Operations Center
Tennessee Tech alumnus Jim Bodak pictured with his wife, Robin.
Tennessee Tech University alumnus Jim Bodak says he was inspired to give to the university’s
Football Operations Center because of a shared vision among President Phil Oldham,
Athletic Director Mark Wilson and Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder to take Tech’s
football program to the next level.
“I have a passion for football and the university,” Bodak said. “I’m excited that
Coach Wilder is there, and I appreciate his enthusiasm and what all he is doing for
the program. I want student-athletes to have the very best facilities to help them
achieve success both on and off the field.”
Bodak graduated from Tech in 1985 with a degree in business management and credits
Tech for a strong education that led to a successful career. He owns Bodak, LLC, a
home building company in Knoxville, Tenn. Bodak also credits Tech for giving him the
opportunity to meet his wife Robin. He noticed her from a distance in a freshman biology
class at Tech, but they didn’t officially meet. The following summer, when they were
both back home taking summer classes at Roane State Community College, they had a
class together once again. Robin took the seat next to Bodak, he recognized her and
asked if she went to Tech, and the rest is history.
Bodak says in addition to President Oldham, AD Wilson and Coach Wilder, there’s another
individual who inspired him to support the Football Operations Center: the late Ottis
Phillips. Phillips was a two-time Tech alumnus and member of the Golden Eagle football
team from 1969 to 1972. He co-led the Football Operations Center fundraising steering
committee and made a lead gift towards the project.
“I enjoyed getting to know Ottis,” Bodak said. “And I knew what he was doing for the
Football Operations Center. He loved Tech, and he encouraged everyone to give. With
his sudden passing a little over a year ago when fundraising was just starting to
take off, well, that inspired Robin and me to give.”
While Bodak didn’t play football at the college level, he says he has always been
a sports fan – especially football.
“We enjoy the games and the people we’ve met,” he said. “Tech Athletics staff, donors,
alumni and fans are really like a family.”
Bodak adds that the football program at any college or university is the front porch
to the school.
“Football increases awareness of Tennessee Tech,” Bodak explained. “When we play Georgia
this year, it will get Tech’s name out across the southeast, the SEC and even across
the country. A lot of the time when people first hear about Tech, it’s through athletics.”
Tech’s 40,000-square-foot Football Operations Center will include a new locker room
and meeting rooms, players’ lounge, theater-style auditorium, sports medicine center
and turf practice field.
Tech also previously announced plans to completely rebuild the west side of Tucker
Stadium to offer new amenities, suites, upgraded seating and expanded concessions,
among other improvements. Demolition is slated to begin later this spring.
“I believe a strong athletic program is a major benefit to the university and overall
student experience,” Bodak said. “And I hope others will contribute to this effort.”