Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Softball Unveils New Videoboard at Charlotte West Stadium
01/26/2026 | 12:30:00 | Softball
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University softball program has unveiled a new videoboard at Charlotte West Stadium after a $250,000 donation by Ronald "Ron" Smith.
"First and foremost, I want to thank Ron for both his generosity and his friendship with regards to our softball program," head coach Jen Sewell said. "This videoboard is more than an upgrade to our field—it's a powerful reminder of the enthusiasm and support behind our team. We are deeply grateful for this donation and the belief it shows in our student-athletes and our program."
Smith graduated from Southern Illinois in 1964 with a degree in marketing and then earned a master's in business administration in 1966. Since then, Smith has stayed connected with SIU and has made multiple donations to the university, including a significant donation to initiate the Book Rental Scholarship Program, Saluki Athletics, and the College of Business and Analytics.
"As a long-time coach in the new national landscape of massive donations by donors to football and basketball, I have been somewhat anxious that the softball program here at SIU may be left behind," Sewell said. "But donors like Ron believe that women's sports and specifically the sport of softball, which he played during his youth, are equally deserving of a substantial financial commitment. Every run, every inning, every graphic, and every win will now be shared with our fans thanks to his generous contribution."
"The genesis of my love and support of Saluki Softball comes from me being a former player of the sport and someone who has two daughters who have been involved in athletics, even playing in college," Smith said.Â
Smith, who now lives in California, has season tickets for Saluki Football and has regularly supported the Blackout Cancer fundraiser. A native of Walsh, Illinois, Smith was a first-generation student at Southern Illinois. After graduating from SIU, he joined the Peace Corps and spent 30 months in Colombia, South America. He worked with farmers and fishermen, teaching them how to make the most of their assets. He credits his education from SIU with giving him the expertise to share with those people and give them a vested interest in the business side of their industry. His career was dedicated to first, collaborating in the development of a community health center and then later managing a large medical clinic and cancer center in San Diego.
"It's amazing to see that we have donors who want to invest in our program," senior Erin Lee said. "But also looking at the videoboard reminds me of all of the alumni who have laid the foundation here. It has made it possible for these donors to want to make an impact and be a part of our family."
"It's a gift that will impact our team for years to come," Sewell said. "Our players, both current and future, will now see more than just a score—they'll see an investment and commitment to the long-term success of SIU Softball."
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