Virginia State University recently named Tiffani-Dawn Sykes as its new associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics, bringing a former Trojan student-athlete back to her alma mater.

Sykes, a 2001 VSU graduate, has spent more than 20 years in college athletics, most recently as a player development assistant and advisor to the head football coach at the University of Maryland. She made history as the first woman to serve as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics at Florida A&M University from 2023 to 2024.

“I am honored to return to Virginia State University as the associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics,” Sykes said. 

VSU President Makola M. Abdullah said Sykes’ passion for the university made her the right choice for the role.

“Virginia State University athletics has a long history of excellence and I am confident in Tiffani-Dawn Sykes’ ability to uphold that tradition,” Abdullah said. “Her values, vision, professional experience and passion for our university made her a perfect fit for this role.”

Sykes has held leadership positions at multiple Division I and Division II institutions and has served on several NCAA committees, including the Leaders and Legends Selection Committee and the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute Selection Committee.

She has received several honors for her contributions to college athletics, including the 2024 Women Leaders NIKE Executive of the Year (DI-FCS) award and the 2023 Lights on Sports FCS Athletic Director of the Year award. Sykes holds a master’s degree in sports administration from Grambling State University and a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from VSU. As a student, she was a starter and team captain for the Trojans’ volleyball team and also competed in track and field.

“My experiences as a student-athlete at VSU ignited my passion for college athletics and the education I received here laid the foundation for a fulfilling and progressive career,” Sykes said.

Sykes will begin her role on March 31, succeeding Peggy Davis who led Trojan athletics for nearly 30 years before her death in October 2024.