Ericka Lavender Named Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services
7/9/2015 9:27:00 AM | Administration
TOLEDO, OH – Ericka Lavender has been hired as the assistant athletic director for academic services at the University of Toledo, Vice President and Director of Athletics Mike O'Brien announced on Wednesday. Lavender will be responsible for the Student Athletic Academic Services (SAAS) office at UT.
"We are very pleased to have Ericka join our staff," said O'Brien. "Her background and expertise make her a perfect fit for our department. We've had great success here academically, and I feel Ericka will continue that tradition and also further enhance the academic environment for our student-athletes."
SAAS, located in the Larimer Athletic Complex, is a student-centered, university resource that reports to the Provost's office. "We are very excited for the expertise Ericka is bringing to the table," said Dr. Julie Fischer-Kinney, assistant provost for student success and retention. "She provides outside perspectives and fresh ideas that will help us better serve our students."
Lavender comes to UT from Louisiana State University where she was the assistant director of academic affairs from 2009-2013 and later served as the associate director for academic affairs from 2013-15. Prior to her stint at LSU, she served as the assistant director of academic services at North Carolina State University from 2008-09 and as an athletic academic counselor at The Ohio State University from 2003-08.
Lavender has been an active member of the National Association for Athletic Advisors since 2003. She is also a current member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators and is involved in the NCAA/NACWAA Institute for Administrative Advancement development program.
Lavender, a native of Steubenville, OH, graduated from Ashland University in 2000 with a degree in recreation administration. She received a master's degree in sports administration from Xavier University in 2003.
"I am extremely excited to be joining the Rocket family," said Lavender. "I want to thank the search committee and everyone involved in my hire. I'm eager to get started and join the staff at UT."
