An Interview with Terry Landon Stidham on Sports, Service, and Success

Terry Landon Stidham is an emerging leader in community sports and faith-based initiatives, hailing from Florence, Alabama. Born and raised in Hamilton, Alabama, Terry comes from a family deeply committed to service; his father is a pastor, his mother a nurse, and his brother a special education teacher. Terry’s early life in such a nurturing environment steered him towards a life of service and leadership.

He graduated from Hamilton High School in 2017 and continued his education at the Ramp School of Ministry, graduating in 2021. He further pursued his academic goals at the University of North Alabama, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 2024 and is currently enrolled in a master’s program. Terry Landon Stidham serves as an Intramural Official at the University, a role that allows him to fuse his passion for sports with his commitment to community engagement.

Terry’s personal story is marked by overcoming adversity, including a significant knee injury and legal challenges, which have only strengthened his resolve and dedication to his faith. An active member of the Underwood Baptist Church and the Baptist Campus Ministries, Terry defines success through his spiritual journey and the positive impact he can make on the lives of others.

Can you tell us about your role as an Intramural Official at the University of North Alabama and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like? 

As an Intramural Official at UNA, my main role is to ensure that all intramural sports games are conducted fairly and safely. This involves everything from overseeing game rules to managing disputes on the field or court. On a typical day, I prepare the sporting equipment, set up game fields or courts, and conduct pre-game briefings with team captains to discuss key rules and expectations. It’s a role that requires a good understanding of sports regulations, quick decision-making, and excellent interpersonal skills to manage interactions between players.

Growing up in a family deeply involved in community service, how has this influenced your career and personal goals? 

My family’s involvement in community service deeply ingrained in me the values of service and support. My dad’s work as a pastor and my mom’s career in nursing have shown me the impact of dedicating one’s life to helping others. This upbringing has shaped my personal and career goals towards roles where I can make a direct positive impact on people’s lives, which is why I chose to work in a role that supports and facilitates community engagement through sports at the university level.

How has your faith influenced your approach to challenges and setbacks, especially with your knee injury and legal issues in the past? 

My faith is the cornerstone of how I handle challenges and setbacks. During my knee injury and the legal challenges in 2019, my faith provided me with a framework of resilience and forgiveness. It taught me to trust in a larger plan and use my experiences to strengthen my character and resolve. By relying on my faith, I found the strength to rehabilitate my knee diligently and to handle the legal issue with a clear conscience and optimism, ultimately allowing me to refocus on my life and educational goals.

What does success mean to you, and how do you measure it in your own life? 

To me, success means being in the will of God and positively influencing others’ lives. I measure success not by traditional metrics like wealth or career prestige, but by how well I adhere to my faith and the impact I make through my roles. Whether it’s through officiating sports or participating in campus ministries, if I can inspire and support even one person, I feel successful.

How did playing basketball in high school and recovering from your knee injury shape your perspective on sports and life? 

Basketball has always been more than just a game to me; it’s a way to learn life lessons about teamwork, discipline, and overcoming adversity. Recovering from my knee injury was one of my most challenging periods—it tested my resolve and forced me to focus on recovery and hard work. This experience taught me that setbacks can be transformed into sources of strength, and it reinforced my belief in perseverance and determination both on and off the court.

What inspired you to pursue a master’s degree, and what are your career aspirations post-graduation? 

My decision to pursue a master’s degree stemmed from my desire to deepen my understanding of how to better serve communities through sports and education. Post-graduation, I aspire to take on a leadership role within university administration or community sports programs to design and implement initiatives that enhance community engagement and personal development through sports.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and spiritual commitments? 

Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life and spiritual commitments is crucial for me. I maintain this balance by setting clear boundaries and priorities. My time management revolves around structured schedules that allocate time for work, study, sports, worship, and community service. Staying involved in my church and campus ministries helps me stay grounded and connected to my values.

What role does your family play in your life and career? 

My family is my support system. They have always encouraged me to pursue my passions and have been there during every high and low point. Their guidance and the values they’ve instilled in me, such as integrity, compassion, and hard work, are reflected in every aspect of my life and career. Their constant support motivates me to strive for excellence and remain committed to my goals.

Can you share a significant moment from your involvement in the Baptist Campus Ministries? 

A significant moment for me in the Baptist Campus Ministries was leading a community outreach event where we provided meals and basic necessities to the local community. Organizing the event and seeing the direct impact of our work on people’s lives reinforced my commitment to service and demonstrated the powerful role faith-based organizations can play in supporting and uplifting communities.

Looking ahead, what are some goals you hope to achieve in the next five years? 

A10: In the next five years, I hope to complete my master’s degree and secure a position where I can influence policy or programming for community sports. I also aim to expand my involvement in faith-based community service projects and potentially start an initiative that combines sports with youth mentorship programs. Ultimately, I want to continue growing personally and spiritually, aligning my professional endeavors with my core values and faith.

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