WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross Associate Director of Athletics Armani Dawkins has accepted the position of Senior Associate Director of Athletics / Chief of Staff at the University of Oklahoma. In her role at Holy Cross, Dawkins oversaw student-athlete development, creating and implementing a robust series of programming to emphasize and improve the development and welfare of student-athletes.
“Armani had a tremendous impact on our student-athletes, coaches and staff during her time at Holy Cross,” said Director of Athletics Nathan Pine. “This is a wonderful professional opportunity for her to advance in her career at Oklahoma and we all wish her well. Moving forward, Holy Cross will look to build upon the foundation she helped establish to continue to excel in the areas of student-athlete development and wellness.”
During her time with the Crusaders, Dawkins initiated partnerships with such programs as the Victory Academy and furthered collaboration with the College's Center for Career Development. Under her guidance, the Holy Cross Student-Athlete Advisory Committee made huge strides in advancing its five pillars – leadership, academic excellence, career development, community engagement and mental health and wellness – and saw its ranks grow with the creation of such groups as WE LEAD (Women's Empowerment through Leadership Education and Development) and MOCA (Men of Color Athletes).
“I am both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve one of the most storied programs in college athletics,” said Dawkins. “Undeniably, Joe Castiglione is one of the nation's most successful athletic directors, and I would like to thank him for what I know will be an incredible experience amongst the very best student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the country. The University of Oklahoma has an unwavering commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and I could not be more excited to join the Sooner family, as we continue to elevate the power of athletics to pursue championships in sport and in life.
"I'm extremely fortunate that my time at Holy Cross was spent with so many wonderful people who were committed to improving the lives of student-athletes and students. This truly is a special place, and I would like to thank everyone who made this an incredible experience for me."
A national search for Dawkins' replacement will begin immediately.
