Story by Milligan University Public Relations

MILLIGAN, Tenn. — Legendary college basketball coach and Milligan University alumnus Charles "Sonny" Smith ('58) was selected as a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association's (TICUA) 2026 Hall of Fame.

Smith served as a head basketball college coach for 22 seasons, most notably serving as Auburn University's head coach from 1978 to 1989. During his career, Smith mentored and coached Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley and NBA stars Chuck Person and Chris Morris.

"Sonny Smith's career and life greatly reflect Milligan's mission of honoring God through servant-leadership," said Milligan President Dr. Stephen Waers. "Beyond his ability to win basketball games, Sonny is revered for his ability to mentor players on and off the court. Throughout his career, he instilled character and moral values in his players."

Raised in Roan Mountain, Tenn., Smith demonstrated his athletic talent while at Milligan. While earning a degree in health and physical education, Smith played basketball and was a two-time All-Conference choice. He was coached by Milligan's revered coach Duard Walker and was a teammate with Del Harris, who went on to become a decorated NBA coach. Smith was also an active member of the M Club, the Physical Education Club and competed on the track team.

Smith started coaching college basketball in 1969 and served as an assistant coach at William & Mary, Pepperdine University and Virginia Tech. He then accepted his first head coaching position at East Tennessee State University in 1976.

In 1978, Smith accepted the head coaching position at Auburn University, where he led the Tigers to record-breaking achievements. Auburn's team made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1984 under Smith's leadership. The next year, Auburn won the SEC Tournament championship and made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Under Smith, Auburn made five straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, a record that still stands. Smith earned two SEC Coach of the Year awards during his time at Auburn. After 11 seasons, Smith then coached at Virginia Commonwealth University before retiring.

Smith's career has been recognized as one of the most prominent in college basketball, but it was also defined by his character. Faith has played a prominent role in Smith's life, and his time at Milligan helped mold and strengthen his convictions. Smith valued his athletes as individuals, and he championed and modeled integrity, responsibility and camaraderie for his athletes.

Smith has achieved various honors and awards for his career, including induction into the Milligan Athletics Hall of Fame (1994), receipt of Milligan University's Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001), induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2007), and induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2020). In 2025, Auburn University honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

TICUA created the Hall of Fame in 2020 to honor the distinguished alumni of its 35 member institutions while highlighting their contributions to our state, nation and world.

Alongside Smith, the 25 members of the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees feature Tennessee trailblazers whose accomplishments span civil rights, the arts, health care, higher education, athletics, business, journalism and ministry.

Read more about each inductee on TICUA's website, www.ticua.org.