(Danville) — A sports pioneer at Averett University is leaving for a new position.
Meg Stevens announced Monday she stepping down as vice president, director of athletics and campus operations effective July 2. She’s taking a senior position at a private, equity-backed sports and entertainment platform.
Stevens was named Athletic Director in 2013. During the next decade-plus, she oversaw Averett’s transition from the USA-South Athletic conference to the ODAC.
“Eleven years ago, when I hired Meg, I believed that she would provide the personal leadership, the professional expertise, and the strong modeling and mentorship that all of our student-athletes and athletics staff would benefit from,” Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks said. “She has far exceeded my hopes and expectations in every area, spreading her motivation and guidance across all of Averett’s campuses.”
Stevens collaborated with faculty, student-athletes and staff to develop and strengthen a “3-2-1” philosophy that has pushed Averett to new heights. Under her direction, all teams have worked to achieve a 3.0 grade point average, finish in the top two in the conference, and the entire athletics department works together as “one team.”
“For the past 11 years, it has been my privilege to work alongside Dr. Tiffany Franks and the members of the Averett community to create the best possible educational and athletic experiences for our students,” Stevens said. “We have incredible students, great staff, wonderful families, supporters and donors. I will always consider myself a member of the Averett team and I look forward to the University’s future success.”
Outside of Averett, Stevens is serving this year as President of a group called Women Leaders in Sports. It’s a coalition of female college sports executives who help develop, connect, and champion women in athletics.
For the upcoming academic year, Deputy Director of Athletics Danny Miller will serve as the interim athletic director. Ironically, that is the same role he held when Stevens was hired.
A national search for a permanent director of athletics will begin next spring.