Joylynn Brown named Wright State Director of Athletics

DAYTON – Wright State University President Susan Edwards has announced that Joylynn Brown has been named Wright State's Director of Athletics after serving in an interim role since April 2024.

"Joylynn has provided steady leadership and ensured a seamless transition in Raider Athletics," Edwards said. "She brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast passion for the success of Wright State Athletics and its student-athletes."

Brown, who is the first woman to be named to the role and just the fourth director of athletics in Wright State history, assumes the full-time role after serving a variety of roles on the athletics administration team since 2014, most recently as deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator (SWA) before assuming the interim director of athletics title in April of this year.

"I have spent nearly my entire adult life at Wright State. It is my home and where I have developed and grown personally and professionally. Leading this department is an incredible honor. After being involved in every aspect of the program, I am prepared to lead and put my own stamp on the Raiders. I am so thankful that Dr. Edwards and the Wright State administration has the belief in me to be the Director of Athletics," Brown said. "I want every student who leaves Wright State to feel valued and have a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. By following the holistic model we have established and implementing more avenues for our student-athletes to be successful, I am confident we can achieve that. I am surrounded by a strong team of administrators, staff and coaches who are all in on creating an amazing experience in our department."

"In the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, we must focus on what we can control and move forward while staying true to Wright State's mission," Brown added. "Our success has a positive impact on the university, just as the university's growth and success directly benefits us. Collaborating with other departments on campus is an integral part of this growth. I will continue to cultivate the strong foundation that has been built. It's a great time to be a Raider!"

Brown has been associated with Raider Athletics for nearly three decades, first coming to campus as a student-athlete, later coaching the Raiders before assuming her administrative roles. Throughout her time on Wright State's senior leadership team, Brown has been actively involved with all facets of the department, chairing all head coaching search committees since her arrival, including the appointment of new head men's basketball coach Clint Sargent. She has played a role in each area of Raider Athletics during her tenure and has had direct oversight for seven different men's and women's Wright State sport programs as well as having been a secondary supervisor for men's and women's basketball nearly a decade.

Brown served as Wright State's NCAA administrative designee in recent NCAA tournament appearances for men's soccer, volleyball and both men's and women's basketball, with all four capturing their first NCAA victories in program history.

Most recently, Brown served as Wright State's interim director of athletics since April of 2024. In the span of three months in the interim role, Brown: Immediately focused on facility improvements, including securing a $30K donation for upgrades and spearheading the installation of new turf at Alumni Field and Mulholland Field, benefiting both student-athletes and the general student population; Hosted the first-ever men's and women's basketball open summer practice event for season ticket holders; Collaborated with university administration and community leaders to host the Air Force Academy for a men's basketball game on November 30, 2024 while also securing a $50K sponsorship for community events surrounding the game; and Secured a sponsorship agreement with Southern Ohio Brewing to create and sell a Wright State-themed beer.

Prior to serving in the interim role, Brown served as deputy director of athletics where she was charged with supervising all aspects of Wright State's day-to-day operations. In addition to her duties with the Raiders, Brown had served as the Vice Chair of the Horizon League's Senior Woman Administrator advisory group since 2023.

Brown played volleyball for the Raiders from 1989-1992 and was an all-conference performer before later serving as an assistant coach (1996-1998) and then head coach (1998-2005) of the volleyball program. During her time as head coach, she was named the Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2001 when she was also selected as the AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year. Brown graduated from Wright State in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in communications studies with a concentration in English.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Julie Roe Lach, Horizon League Commissioner:
"The first thing you observe with Joylynn is her fierce support and commitment to student-athletes. As a former student-athlete, award-winning coach and tireless administrator who has made a major impact during every step of her journey, she is an outstanding choice to lead the Raiders. She is Wright State University personified and embodies the values of the Horizon League. Congratulations to President Edwards on this selection — the Horizon League team looks forward to advancing Wright State and #OurHorizon with Joylynn in this critical leadership role!"

Jeff Hoagland, Dayton Development Coalition President & CEO:
"Congratulations to Joylynn on being named the next Athletic Director at Wright State University. Joylynn's experience in college athletics as an athlete, coach and administrator have prepared her well for this role, but her work out the in community is what makes her an exceptional candidate to lead WSU's athletic operations. We look forward to continuing to partner with Joylynn, Wright State University and their Athletic Department team on community engagement, especially with our military community. Go Raiders!"

Tom Hazelbaker, Wright State Athletics Faculty Athletics Representative:
"Joylynn is the type of administrator that takes her job seriously, performs it at the highest level but allows others to have fun in the process. Wright State's student-athletes, coaches, administration, alumni and the Raider Country community at large will be well served with Joylynn as the Athletic Director of Wright State. This is not an endorsement 'for the job' – she already has the job. This is a testimony to the professionalism I know Joylynn will bring to the job."

Mike Mathile, Wright State Athletics Hall of Fame Member, Baseball:
"I've been around many former and current Wright State student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators and I don't believe there is a more universally loved and respected person than Joylynn Brown. She knows the Raider culture and is passionate about our student-athletes and their successes on and off the fields of competition. I'm excited to support Joylynn and our athletic department in any way I can. Go Raiders!"

Tony Ortiz, Wright State Athletics Hall of Fame Member:
"I have been fortunate to have known Joylynn as an athlete, a coach and as an administrator. I believe she possesses all the skills, knowledge and personality to become a great athletic director."

Kelley Hartley Hutton, Purdue Fort Wayne Athletic Director:
"Joylynn is a veteran administrator with a genuine knack for connecting with student-athletes and building relationships. I've known Joylynn for over 25 years - she's an exceptional leader with the experience, passion, and creativity to be effective in our league. She has devoted her career to tirelessly advocating for coaches and students."

Joylynn Brown named Wright State Director of Athletics

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