Collected Wisdom - Dawn Stewart

Collected Wisdom is a series of interviews featuring insights from Small College Athletic Administrators. Special thanks to Dawn Stewart , Athletic Director at Otterbein University, for participating this week.

How did you get started in College Athletics?

Actually, I started working in college athletics while completing my undergraduate degree. My undergraduate work-study job was in the Athletic Department, working alongside the recruiting coordinator who assisted all of the coaches with their recruiting efforts. Through this work, I saw the effort that goes into putting together a competitive sports program! It was a great “athletics” education and eventually led me to a full time job within our Athletics Department following my graduation.

How do your experiences as a student-athlete at Otterbein guide your actions as the Athletic Director there?

I loved my time as a student-athlete and as an undergraduate. I was surrounded by great people who really helped me see how my athletic experiences were lessons that were transferrable to real life situations. So, what drives me each and every day is the desire to surround our student-athletes with great people and provide them with an even better experience than what I had!

What was the one thing you were least prepared to do when you became an Athletic Director?

I was least prepared to do some public speaking. And, I can honestly say that my first public speaking function was a flop. That was the only lesson I needed. I bounced back a month later at another event and certainly felt more confident with my presentation. So, I quickly recovered and now, I look forward to those speaking engagements. I’m asked to speak fairly often. So, I’ll take that as a sign that I’m doing something right.

You are a member of the NACDA Executive Committee. What does that entail?

First, the membership to NACDA is one of the best investments you can make as an athletics administrator. I have been involved with this organization for many years, and it has made me a better professional! I was fortunate to be asked to serve on the Executive Committee as a Division III representative. Through this role, I serve as a voice for Division III administrators in the direction of NACDA programming for convention and needs for the division as a whole to the professional association.

Talk about your involvement with the NADIIIAA. Why is the growth and success of groups like this important?

NADIIIAA is another critical organization that has existed to serve the needs, specifically, of Division III administrators. I have a great deal of respect for Dick Rasmussen who continues to lead this organization and focus on the needs of Division III administrators. NADIIIAA just made a bold organizational move by moving under the umbrella of NACDA instead of remaining as a stand-alone organization. I believe that this was an important move in order to develop future Division III administrators and expose them to all of college athletics. This exposure is a great reminder that we all face similar issues, no matter the size of the institution and that we can all learn from each other.

Can you remember a program/idea that you tried that just didn’t work?

I would say I am a calculated risk taker, but even with that in mind, there are initiatives that I’ve attempted that just don’t work. I will spare you the specifics of these and instead say that those are moments that you just need to re-evaluate and grow from. Set aside pride or any other emotion that may get in the way and just evaluate what and why the idea didn’t work then determine how to move forward.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I truly enjoy building relationships with others! Whether it be with my student-athletes, coaches, campus partners, community partners or alumni, I simply enjoy listening, getting to know people, and determining ways in which we can build a partnership.

Who are some of your mentors/people that have encouraged you along the way?

I have been very blessed to have many great people around me in this business. Tim Wabler, who recently retired as the Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University of Dayton, has truly been a great presence in my professional career. In addition to Tim, my friend, Neil Sullivan who is currently the Vice President and Director of Athletics at UD has just been a great colleague and is doing really special things there and I look forward to watching that program continue to grow! Cindy Hartmann is one of the strongest female figures in college athletics. As Deputy Athletics Director for Administration at Florida State (our paths crossed during my time at Dayton) I was always in awe of Cindy’s ease with tackling tough issues with her sport programs. My dear friend Dixie Jeffers is a pioneer specifically in the Division III women’s basketball world. My current Vice President and Dean of Students at Otterbein, Bob Gatti is an incredible administrator and relationship builder. All of these individuals have taught me really special lessons and I am grateful for these relationships.

Best career advice that you have received?

-Be a listener. Listening will inspire your next steps.

What advice do you have for young people that are looking to start a career in college athletics?

Don’t be too anxious. Embrace opportunities that might not feel like the ideal fit. These are often the opportunities that push us out of our comfort zone and teach us the most.

What advice do you have for an Asst/Assoc. A.D. that aspires to become an Athletic Director?

Very few individuals will have the perspective of the organization that you will have as an AD. You will need to have relationships with other directors inside and outside of the organization who you can trust to be a sounding board and understand your perspective.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

There is an ongoing dialogue that occurs between athletics administration and University administration, no matter the division or size of the institution. The dialogue usually includes topics like the role of athletics on campus, resourcing for the athletics program, and sometimes how athletics can serve the strategic initiatives for the institution. I am fortunate to work for a University who welcomes this dialogue. However, these conversations are not always easy. I often compare myself to a lobbyist knowing that my role is to continually try to advance awareness of the needs of my program. I have come to really enjoy finding ways to align the specific needs of Athletics with the strategic needs of the institution or with potential external donors.

What are 1-2 qualities that you look for when hiring a head coach?

I look for individuals who are self-aware, have a desire to continue to learn, and a strong work ethic. –That is the magic combination.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I am a new mom. At the age of 40 I gave birth to my son, who is now 16 months old. So, balance has taken on a new meaning for me. It has been an adjustment learning how to be a new parent and balance life as an administrator. I am fortunate to work on a campus that encourages me to bring Jack to events or on campus when I can. And, my husband is an incredible partner and has always been supportive of my desire to build a competitive sports program. So, I try to make the most of my time both at home and in the office. I’ve come to really appreciate simple moments. For example, I took my son outside to play in the snow for the first time last weekend. He loved it! There were snow angels and little snowballs everywhere. It was a simple moment, but one that continues to make me smile, and that might be my new meaning for balance.