FAMU Names New Vice President and Athletic Director

October 13, 2022
Andrew Skerritt
Tiffani Dawn Sykes
FAMU Names New Vice President and Athletic Director

Florida A&M University announces the hiring of Tiffani Dawn Sykes as its new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Sykes is currently the executive senior associate athletic director for Varsity Sports and senior woman administrator (SWA) at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. 

“We are happy to welcome Ms. Tiffani Dawn Sykes into the FAMUly. Her credentials are impeccable and her demonstrated commitment to excellence are what we need to move our program forward,” FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., said. “I am excited about this hire and look forward to working with her to take FAMU to the next level. I must also extend a special thank you to Interim VP/AD Michael Smith for his exemplary service during his tenure.”

Sykes, who began her career in 2002 at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia, said she was honored to have been chosen to lead one of the nation’s most historic athletic programs.

“With this being the 50th anniversary of Title IX, I recognize the significance of my joining the FAMU family in this role,” said Sykes, who was introduced to the FAMU community in Lee Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, Oct. 12. “I look forward to working with all of the Rattlers in continuing the outstanding legacy that resides on the “Highest of Seven Hills.”

She began in sports information at Saint Paul’s College and took on the role of the senior woman administrator during her four years there. She was the sports information director (SID) and SWA at Virginia Union University, and served two stints as the interim SID and assistant athletic director for compliance at Grambling State University, where she earned her master’s degree in sport administration. Additionally, she was the sports management specialist in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference office. 

“I want to thank the student-athletes, staff, and coaches for all of your work, service, and support during this process and for helping Ms. Sykes become successful as she joins the FAMUly,” said Robinson.