Southern Utah University and Athletic Director Doug Knuth are pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Cedric Brown as the new Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration.
Athletic Director Doug Knuth Said
" Dr. Brown is a highly experienced administrator, former student-athlete, and coach. He will bring incredible experience and a broad range of skills to support our student-athletes, coaches, and department. He is a great leader and the perfect person to fit our department. I'm thrilled to have Cedric join the T-Bird family and can't wait to see the positive impact he has on our department."
Dr. Brown boasts extensive expertise as an accomplished athletic administrator, consistently exhibiting effective collaborative skills within the sport management industry. Notably, he has demonstrated remarkable proficiency while working in nonprofit organizations, spearheading initiatives to combat childhood obesity and providing education on BMI health-related strategies to a school district in the St. Louis metro area.
In 2022, Dr. Brown's expertise and qualifications led him to become the Director of Athletics at Lewis and Clark Community College. With his extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, he embraces his leadership role and relishes the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives.
As a former NCAA Division I athlete himself, Dr. Brown possesses an astute comprehension of the essential elements required for student-athletes to achieve success both academically and in their sport-specific endeavors.
Following the conclusion of his collegiate career as a Division I athlete, Dr. Brown embarked on a new phase of his professional journey in coaching. He garnered substantial achievements as a former Division I assistant coach during the early stages of his coaching career. Later, he excelled as an NJCAA Head Coach, earning accolades such as the Coach of the Year awards in 2012 and 2014 in The Great Rivers Athletic Conference and Region 24 while serving at Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL.
Dr. Brown Said
"Cherishing the college experience that shaped me into the leader I am today, I wholeheartedly embrace the philosophy of 'paying it forward.' My belief is to inspire others in achieving their goals and making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Guided by faith and my core values, I strive to be a servant leader, persistently learning, effectively communicating, and making informed decisions along the way. I am excited to bring these values to T-Bird Athletics."
Dr. Brown is a dedicated sport management professional actively engaged in various associations, including the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy degree with a specialization in Organizational Development and Leadership from The University of Arizona Global Campus.
Praise For Dr. Brown
Daniel Wray Ph.D., Associate Athletic Director for Development Saint Mary's
"Dr. Brown is one of the best people in the industry. He cares deeply about the well-being of the student-athletes with which he works, and his enthusiasm is unrelenting. He will be an incredible asset to the Southern Utah University community, and his passion for college athletics will continually enable opportunities for success."
Stan Gouard, Men's Basketball Head Coach University of Southern Indiana
"I have known Cedric for over 25 years, stemming back to his days as a college basketball coach. He is a great friend and is like a brother to me, and I am so happy for Cedric and his family. His passion for improvement – in the student-athlete experience and in his professional life – has been evident at every stop in his career. Cedric has been very intentional about carving out time for his own professional development in order to better serve the student-athletes under his care, and I think that's praiseworthy. He exhibits an enthusiasm for collegiate athletics that's going to spill over into every square inch of the Thunderbirds athletic department, the campus community, as well as the city of Cedar City. His dedication to student-athletes fits perfectly with the Mission of the University, and because of his passion for enhancing the student-athlete experience, he will be a tremendous asset to Southern Utah University."
Rick Cabrera, Men's Basketball Head Coach Northwestern State University
"Southern Utah has made a tremendous hire in Cedric Brown. Cedric exemplifies everything you are looking for in an administrator. He is incredibly well respected and knowledgeable. Cedric is a true relationship builder with great connections. The first thing I think about when it comes to Cedric Brown is his great personality and ability to relate to people. He will bring impeccable integrity to the athletic department as well as a wealth of experience."
Anthony Figueroa, Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach Northwestern State University
"Dr. Brown will be a fantastic member of the Thunderbird Family. His dedication and hard work combined with his passion and enthusiasm will help keep SUU athletics at the top of the WAC."
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