No coach or administrator symbolizes what Alabama A&M athletics is all about more than Betty K. Austin. In April 2006, Austin took the reigns of the Alabama A&M Athletics program and was named permanent director over the summer.

As a coach, Austin is A&M's most successful in any sport, having led her volleyball team to six-straight SWAC titles and over 600 career victories in an illustrious 30-year coaching career. Before joining the SWAC, Austin's netters won 11 SIAC titles. A native Huntsvillian, Austin started the Alabama A&M volleyball program in 1977 and until the current season, is the only head coach the team has ever had.

Austin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Alabama A&M in 1973. After completing her undergraduate work, she went to the University of Michigan, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Education.

In 1977 Austin returned to her alma mater and became the leader of Alabama A&M women's athletics. Named as Coordinator of Women's Athletics, Austin served as volleyball coach, women's basketball coach and as an instructor in the Health and Physical Education department. In 1983, Austin was promoted to assistant athletic director and assistant professor. In 1992 she took on the additional responsibility as athletics compliance officer. In 1995 she also served as acting athletics director.

Since becoming director, Austin has worked tirelessly to improve the department's focus on the student-athlete. Under her watch, the new Academic Enhancement Center and Sports Medicine Facility were opened. The department staff has also added full-time employees in NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills and academic enhancement.