RICHMOND, Virginia (May 7, 2019) – Felicia Johnson is breaking barriers, becoming the first woman to be appointed as Director of Athletics at Virginia Union University.
Johnson has spent the past 11 years as the Associate Athletics Director for Compliance /Senior Woman Administrator. She joined the VUU Athletics staff in July 2007 as Director of Compliance.
“Felicia Johnson is an incredible asset to Panther athletics,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President & CEO at VUU. “She thrives on challenges, and shares my commitment to excellence in our winning traditions in the classroom, and on the field.”
As the Senior Woman Administrator and Associate Athletic Director, she served as part of the senior management team and assisted the Director of Athletics in the decision-making process, enhancing the level in institutional support provided to ensure gender equity.
Johnson was awarded the CIAA Senior Woman Administrator of the Year in 2009 and in 2018. She is a graduate of NCAA Institute for Administrative Advancement and the NCAA Division II ADA Mentoring program. Currently, she is a member of Women Leaders in College Sports.
“As a woman in a field dominated by men, I am honored to have been given this wonderful opportunity,” Johnson said. “Nothing will stop us from chasing our championship dreams while we focus on the health, wellness and education of our student-athletes.”
The Mappsville, Virginia, native is a 2003 honors graduate of Virginia Union University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. Johnson was a student-athlete at VUU, lettering in volleyball, bowling and earning All-CIAA honors in softball.
Johnson replaces Hall of Fame Coach Joe Taylor, who was recently appointed to Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Virginia Union. She earned her Master of Science Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Sports Leadership in 2007; and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.
