On Tuesday, Aug. 5 2014, Brittney Dixon was named the new Assistant Director of Athletics at SUNY New Paltz.
Athletic Director Stuart Robinson spoke highly of Dixon’s hiring, noting that her ability to relate to student athletes was an important factor toward her new position.
“She displayed a passion for wanting to make the experience for student-athletes first rate and as a former student-athlete herself, that was important for this position,” he said. “Brittney understands intimately the expectation placed on student athletes and she wants to make sure that our students see only the best aspects of being a student-athlete at New Paltz.”
Dixon said on top of the size of the campus, the academic strengths of the school and its varsity sport representation were huge factors that attracted her to SUNY New Paltz.
“When I came to visit the campus for my first time the first thing that stood out to me were the mountains. I thought this was one of the most scenic places I’d ever seen,” Dixon said. “When I interviewed [with Robinson] and had the chance to meet some of the athletes, I know this was the place for me.”
Dixon grew up in Detroit, Michigan and began college at Central Connecticut State University(CCSU) in 2003. During her collegiate years, Dixon played Division I basketball for the Lady Blue Devils.
In four years of play at CCSU,she scored 809 points, averaged 8.6 points per game and also was a recipient of a Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award.
After she graduated from CCSU, she became a corporate action associate at Raymond James and Associates in Southfield, Michigan. She revived her basketball roots by coaching a girls high school team from 2007 to 2008.
Dixon later became the development assistant for athletics at Wellesley College from 2012-14. While she was at Wellesley, Dixon provided developmental work, aided in alumnae relations, managed events and coordinated the college’s hall of fame.
Dixon is also a member of the Minority Opportunites Atheltic Association (MOAA) and the National Association of Collegiate Women Atheltics Adminisatrators (NACWAA). According to the MOAA website, their mission is to provide opportunities to exchange ideas, advocate increased participation and administartive opportunites for minorities in athletics. According to the website of the NACWAA, they work to empower, assist, celebrate, affirm, involve, and honor women working in all fields of intercollegiate athletics.
In her new position, Dixon’s major responsibilities will include managing the Athletic and Wellness Center’s equipment room, coordinating various summer camps and clinics, department procurement and serving as the event manager for 15 varsity sports.
Robinson said he and Dixon will work together as a team to tackle much more than just planning events.
“Brittney will work closely with me on issues far beyond event management and operations, she is a part of the central staff where major decisions will be discussed and made. Her role will be significant and far-reaching,” he said.
For the short and long-term, the plan is simple for this newly formed partnership. They want to improve the experience for student athletes at the college.
“We have talented students who deserve our best efforts,” Robinson said.