Sullivan Tabbed as First Senior Woman Leader

Sullivan Tabbed as First Senior Woman Leader
July 24, 2023

Gainesville, Georgia- In partnership with an initiative from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), head golf coach Ann Sullivan has been named as Brenau University Athletics first Senior Women Leader (SWL). 

In April of 2021, the NAIA membership passed legislation to create the Senior Woman Leader role in all NAIA institution athletic departments. The NAIA created this position with the intent of having a representative in this role at all member institutions by fall of 2023.

“Ann has demonstrated, as a former NAIA student-athlete and now as Brenau's head golf coach, her commitment to the ideals and mission of the NAIA and those of Brenau University,” said Athletic Director Mike Lochstampfor. “She has consistently focused on the needs of student-athletes, has taken on additional responsibilities to help move the department forward, and subscribes to Brenau's mission and focus.”

“With the increased focus on the role of the women in leadership at the NAIA level and the university's devotion to providing leadership opportunities for women, this will be a perfect fit for both Ann and Brenau University athletics.”

The Senior Woman Leader will promote meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of intercollegiate sports on their respective campus.

“I am proud to be named the first Athletics Senior Women’s Administrator at Brenau University,” stated Sullivan. “I look forward to advocating for our student athletes on and off the athletics fields and leading by the principles of the Brenau Ideal.”

This role provides an identifiable female presence at each member institution with whom staff and student-athletes can communicate. The role of senior woman leader may be held by a female administrator or coach, who will serve as a key participant in senior-level management decisions regarding intercollegiate athletics on campus.

According to the NAIA, Sullivan's responsibilities with this new SWL role will include, but is not limited to the following: 

  1. Communicating with the athletics director for leadership development and major departmental and university initiatives; 

  2. Providing leadership and guidance in the area of Title IX and gender equity planning for the department; 

  3. Assisting with strategic planning processes and decision making for the department;

  4. Participate in budget development and significant financial decision for the athletics department operation and initiatives;

  5. Advocate for student-athlete well-being while also serving as a mentor and resource for direct reports and other athletics staff members.