Dr. Shannon Yates Announced as Next Director of Athletics

After conducting a national search, Meredith College has named Dr. Shannon M.  Yates as its next athletic director. Dr. Yates comes to Meredith after serving 26 years in athletic administration including three Division I universities and an N.C. community college.

“I am beyond blessed and honored to be named director of athletics at Meredith College,” Yates stated. “I would like to thank President Allen, Dr. Jackson, and the search committee for entrusting me with the tremendous opportunity to lead Avenging Angel Athletics into the future. I look forward to joining our coaches and athletics staff as we work together to support our student-athletes to become Champions in the Classroom, Champions in Competition, and Champions in the Community”. 

Most recently, Dr. Yates served as director of intercollegiate athletics & deputy Title IX director at Fayetteville Technical Community College. As a member of the President’s Executive Council, she worked with the FTCC Foundation to implement fundraising campaigns, spearheaded community outreach activities for student-athletes, and worked to improve the overall student-athlete experience.

Prior to that, Dr. Yates was the associate director for internal affairs & senior woman administrator (SWA) at Southeast Missouri State University where she an integral part of the athletic director’s senior staff. Yates provided direct oversight of sports medicine, strength & conditioning, facilities, and event management. She also served as sport administrator for the women’s soccer, gymnastics, and tennis programs.

Yates also spent time as associate athletic director for event management at Valparaiso University. In addition to game operations, she served on various committees for strategic planning, student-athlete welfare, and athletic facilities management.

However, the majority of her career has been at NC State University. While at NC State, Yates served under Athletic Director Debbie Yow in various roles including assistant athletic director of operations. In this position, she directed game operations and budgeting for 21 athletic teams. Yates also served as assistant athletic director of varsity sports administration & game operations where she was the sport administrator for seven of NC State’s women’s varsity teams. Among other roles at NC State, Yates served as director of women’s basketball operations under head coach Kay Yow.

Vice President for College Programs Jean Jackson is excited about what Dr. Yates brings to Meredith College.

“Dr. Shannon Yates brings a wealth of experience as an athletic administrator to her role as Meredith’s next athletic director,” Jackson said. “In addition, she brings a demonstrated commitment to putting academics first while encouraging student-athletes to excel in their classes and in their athletic practice and play. I look forward to working with Dr. Yates to continue building upon the excellent work done by Jackie Myers, who is concluding her time as Meredith’s athletics director, and all others—students, athletics staff, families, other supporters, and fans—who have built a tradition of excellence for the Avenging Angels.”

Dr. Yates has a broad-based experience in strategic planning, departmental leadership, fiscal management, facility enhancements, sports administration, human resources, gender equity, DEI, and student-athlete welfare. She has a passion for working with student-athletes to create an environment of success in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.

Dr. Yates’ start date will be July 1.

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