A Poplar Bluff, Mo., native who enjoys people, will start work on Aug. 29 as the new director of the Black River Coliseum.
"I know I have a big challenge. I look forward to it," said Bobby Godwin, who is 47. "I enjoy outings, and I enjoy people. I treat all people the same. I hope people enjoy the time they spend at the coliseum."
He wants to use his 17 years of experience as manager of the Ozark Ridge Golf Course to help the coliseum be more successful in hosting events that will attract more area residents.
Godwin said he "doesn't know what to expect," but was told by City Manager Doug Bagby, "You will know the ropes by the end of the year."
He emphasized the importance of teamwork among all the coliseum employees.
"I have met a few employees and look forward to meeting all of them," Godwin said. "There has to be teamwork. We hope to get the coliseum going in the right direction."
Two events, scheduled before Godwin was hired, will give him a wide range of experience this fall -- "from heavy metal music to Disney." The coliseum will host a Carnival of Madness on Saturday, Sept. 17. This concert will feature five bands and five hours of rock music. Disney Live, featuring three classic fairy tales, will be presented Nov. 12.
"I have been to a lot of events at the coliseum. It has great potential," Godwin said. "I have thought about a lot of things to try to improve the coliseum."
He has talked with the athletic directors at Poplar Bluff High School and Three Rivers College.
"We would like to get basketball back in the coliseum," Godwin said. The TRC Raiders formerly played in the coliseum as did the Poplar Bluff Mules during a Christmas holiday tournament.
"The coliseum is for everybody. It is good we have the coliseum so parents can take their children to memorable events," Godwin said.
Mark Massingham, city personnel/finance director, plans to take Godwin through the coliseum, the aquatic center and fitness room next week so he can learn about the operations and meet the employees.
"I will be asking a lot of questions," Godwin said. "I need to find out where we are -- what has been successful the past 3-4 years and what hasn't been."
When asked about his reaction to being selected among 34 applicants, Godwin said, "It came in a hurry. My wife and I discussed it after we saw the other gentleman had left. It was a position that had peaked my interest in the past."
He also discussed the opening with his parents, Buddy and Mary Godwin. His father has worked at the golf course for 24 years.
While talking with Bagby and Massingham about the golf course, Godwin inquired about the coliseum position and they encouraged him to apply.
"I was looking for a new challenge," Godwin said.
He has experience working with the city budgeting process for the golf course.
"We only have so many dollars. I'm not a big spender," Godwin said.
In 1982, Godwin graduated from Poplar Bluff High School where he played on the state championship golf teams in 1980 and 1981. He graduated from Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff in 1984 and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., with a degree in finance. He sold insurance for eight years before becoming the golf course manager.
"With my background, I feel I will be up to the task," Godwin said.
This will be his 25th year as a basketball official, but he said it will be on a limited schedule due to his new job.
Godwin and his wife, Beth, who is a counselor at Three Rivers College, have four children -- her sons, Aaron, 18, who will be a freshman at the University of Missouri, and Austin, 16, who will be a junior at Poplar Bluff High School, his daughter, Sydney, 14, who will be a freshman, and their 8-year-old son, John Paul. They have been married 11 years and are members of First Baptist Church.
Randy Mathews resigned in the spring after serving as the coliseum director for 22 months. He was hired as executive director of the historic Fox Threatre in Hutchinson, Kan.