Houlihan's relationship with Molloy College spans a 31-year period. He began his Molloy career in 1980 as the Softball coach and six years later assumed additional coaching duties as the women's basketball coach. In 19 seasons at the softball helm, he recorded over 300 victories, including a New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) Championship in 1995 and ECAC Championships in 1994 and 1995. He reached the postseason 18 times and coached six All-Americans. He amassed 134 basketball victories over 11 seasons, reaching the postseason tournament 10 times. He was a member of the NCAA Basketball Tournament Selection Committee for three years and the ECAC Men's and Women's Basketball Committees for three and two years, respectively.

In 1988, Houlihan became the third Director of Athletics. During his tenure, he was instrumental in adding seven intercollegiate teams, including five men's programs. Baseball, men's basketball and men's cross country made their debuts during the 1992-93 academic year, marking the first men's athletic programs in the history of Molloy College. Soon after, men's and women's soccer, women's cross country and men's lacrosse began. Under his guidance, the student-athlete body grew from 40 to 200.

Houlihan was the President of the NYCAC for two terms and recording secretary for three years. He served as sport chair for volleyball for three years, baseball and women's soccer for two years, and women's basketball and softball for one year.

In June of 2001, Houlihan was elevated to Vice President for Student Affairs at Molloy. He was the chief student affairs officer, providing leadership and vision for student support services, including athletics, health, public safety, and student government-sponsored clubs and activities. He was also responsible for organizing freshmen- and transfer-student orientations, handling all graduation festivities, and developing and implementing student life programs.

A 20-year veteran of the New York City Police Department, he served as a Detective for 17 years before his retirement in 1986. His assignments included: Narcotics, Organized Crime Bureau, Special Investigations Division, Homicide Squad, and Major Case Squad. He was the recipient of 22 citations and was a member of the Honor Legion. He has been sharing his police experiences with the Molloy students as an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal Justice Department since 1988. He has also taught classes in Molloy's Physical Education Department.

In 2005, Calhoun High School honored him with their Leadership Award. The Long Island Tigers Association recognized him with their Community Service Award in 1993. He was the recipient of the Molloy College Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and the Rockville Centre Service Award in 1999. In 2013, Bob was awarded "The President's Medal," which is the highest award Molloy College gives out.

As with Hartwell, ECC Commissioner, Dr. Robert Dranoff, spent years working within the NYCAC as a fellow Athletic Director colleague of Houlihan. "He consistently maintained a reputation as a man of integrity, a leader and someone who did things the right way," said Dranoff. "He was also a leader in the conference, heading up the league as president during periods of change and it was his sense of humor and easy going personality but also a strong work ethic and desire to support his colleagues that helped the conference grow and survive."

* - Portions of Bob Houlihan bio courtesy of Molloy College Athletic Department.