HBCU Florida Memorial University has hired its first female athletics director in the school’s history, marking a major milestone for the Miami Gardens-based school.
According to HBCU Gameday, Chandra Dorsey-Felton has been announced as the new director of athletics at FMU.
“Today marks a historic and defining moment for Florida Memorial University. It is with great pride and unwavering confidence that I announce the appointment of Chandra Dorsey-Felton as our first female Athletic Director,” said FMU president William McCormick. "Chandra has demonstrated exceptional vision, discipline, and a deep commitment to the holistic success of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. Her elevation is not only a testament to her outstanding leadership, but also a reflection of FMU's continued commitment to breaking barriers and building a culture of excellence.”
Related: Game Changers: HBCU Hires First Female Assistant Football Coach
Dorsey-Felton has more than 25 years of experience working in collegiate athletics, focusing on compliance, eligibility and student-athlete development. Prior to her appointment as director of athletics at FMU, Dorsey-Felton served as FMU’s deputy athletics director for student success and compliance and then interim director of athletics. With stops at Tulane University, Texas State University, McNeese State University and others, Dorsey-Felton also served as head women’s basketball coach before arriving to FMU.
“Florida Memorial University has a proud tradition of excellence, and I am honored to lead this department,” said Dorsey-Felton. “Our focus will remain on developing student-athletes who succeed in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.”
Dorsey-Felton’s appointment comes as several other colleges and universities are celebrating the impact of their female coaches and leaders during Women’s History Month, such as Vanessa Blair-Lewis, the longest-tenured Black female head basketball coach in DI history. Blair-Lewis currently coaches for George Mason University, and her resume includes several HBCUs such as Bethune-Cookman.
During Women’s History Month, and all year, these women and so many others serve as Game Changers for women in sport and athletics leadership.
