Paul Atkinson (basketball)

Paul Atkinson (born November 8, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, died October 2, 2023) was an American college basketball player and athletic administrator.

Atkinson played college basketball at Villanova University from 1965 to 1969. A 6'10" center, he was a key player on the 1968-69 Villanova team that reached the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight. He averaged a double-double in his senior year, scoring 17.6 points and grabbing 12.1 rebounds per game.

Following his playing career, Atkinson transitioned into athletic administration. He served as an assistant athletic director at Villanova for several years. He then became the athletic director at Hofstra University, a position he held from 1989 to 2004. During his tenure at Hofstra, the university's athletic programs experienced significant growth and success, particularly in basketball and football. He oversaw the school's transition into the America East Conference and later the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA).

After leaving Hofstra, Atkinson served as the athletic director at the University of Massachusetts Lowell from 2004 to 2007. He then worked as a consultant in the field of intercollegiate athletics.

Atkinson was inducted into the Villanova University Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also recognized for his contributions to college athletics administration.