HBCUs continue to produce greatness, and Jennifer Lynne Williams continues that trend.
Williams, the former Athletic Director for Alabama State, was hired as the Chief Development Officer of the USA Basketball Foundation. She begins her new position on July 1st.
Williams arrived at Alabama State in 2016 as the university’s interim athletic director and deputy athletic director. On October 10th, 2018, she was officially promoted to athletic director.
Her time at Alabama State yielded great success for the Hornets. Their teams won 43 SWAC championships, three consecutive commissioner cups, and received the conference academic award for the highest GPA (2019, 2020). During this time, Williams was named the 2018 Women Leaders in College Sports Division I (FCS) Administrator of the Year and her alma mater, North Carolina Central University, selected her as a 40-under-40 Class of 2016 honoree. Per the Hornets’ site, this award recognizes “young NCCU alumni who have made significant contributions in the arts, entertainment, healthcare, sciences, education, law, business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, public service or government.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as the director of athletics,” said Williams. “and I am thankful that President Ross gave me the opportunity to lead the department in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our wonderful student-athletes, staff and coaches the past four years.”
Prior to joining Alabama State, Williams spent four years at North Carolina A&T. There she served as the associate athletic director for development and executive director of the Aggie Athletic Foundation. Williams was instrumental in growing the Aggies’ athletic program. She helped raise more than $4 million in donor revenue and doubled the number of donors for their athletic programs.
Williams received her BA in journalism from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She was a four-year letterman and two-year captain of the Tar Heels women’s basketball team. She earned her MS in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central before moving into sports media with the Tar Heels Sports Network and Fox Sports South.
“I would like to congratulate AD Williams on her new position,” said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “I’m proud of the work she has done, not only for ASU but also with the SWAC and NCAA as well. Her strong leadership of Athletics through a pandemic is a testament to her talent and ability. I’m extremely excited about the new opportunity she has been afforded. Ms. Williams has served the Hornet nation well as athletic director.”
Now she’s taking her love for basketball to the next level.
“I’m excited to have Jennifer join USA Basketball and lead our Foundation,” said USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley. “Her experience in athletics, and in fundraising and development make her the ideal person to lead our foundation.”
It’s a role she’s extremely well suited for, one she’s done with great success.
“USA Basketball is synonymous with excellence, and it is truly an honor to join the team, and serve as the chief development officer,” said Williams. “I would like to thank Jim Tooley for selecting me to lead in this capacity. I am excited to get started and look forward to working with our internal and external stakeholders and the entire USA Basketball family.”
