LaTaya Hilliard-Gray
The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics continues to evolve as WSSU
Director of Athletics Etienne Thomas announces the promotion of LaTaya Hilliard-Gray to the
position of Associate Director of Athletics. For the last two decades, Hilliard-Gray has been an
integral part of the Department of Athletics and she has earned a position among the leadership
of Rams athletics.
"I am excited to formally announce LaTaya's promotion as Association Director of Athletics as
she adds the additional responsibilities of sports supervision to the administrative roles she
currently holds as Senior Woman Administrator, SAAC advisor and Deputy Title IX
Coordinator. LaTaya has served as our SWA, which is the Senior most female in the operation of
a Department of Athletics, for several years," said Winston-Salem State University Director of
Athletics Etienne Thomas. "LaTaya brings incredible knowledge, expertise, and perspective to
all facets of the administration of college athletics with an extreme attention to detail and a keen
sense of the needs and opportunities available or that need to be created to ensure
student-athletes have a great holistic collegiate experience and are prepared for the professional
world, ensuring that the voices of her fellow colleagues are heard and in helping to move our
department forward. Prior to my arrival, I tried to hire her away from WSSU in her capacity as
Head Softball Coach, but since arriving here, I have had the opportunity to come to know how
impactful of an administrator that she is and the great treasure that we have on our WSSU
Athletics team and how she shows up every day as a GREAT Coach and Administrator."
The role as Associate Director of Athletics comes in addition to her duties as the designated
Senior Woman Administrator and Softball Head Coach. It is another step in a great career of
service to Rams Athletics. Hilliard-Gray has spent 20 years as a member of the WSSU
Department of Athletics. She will continue to serve as the department's Deputy Title IX
Coordinator for Athletics and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor.
For two decades, Hilliard-Gray has been a constant figure in Rams Athletics. She began her
career at WSSU in 2000 when she started out as an assistant coach on the Rams' softball and
volleyball team before taking on the title of softball head coach in 2002. From there, she has had
an historic coaching career with the program, leading it to 364 total victories along with five
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) softball championships. During her career,
she has also served as the Rams' volleyball head coach on three occasions. She has led the Rams
softball team to five appearances in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament,
including an historic run in 2019 that saw the Rams upset the top-seeded West Virginia State
Yellow Jackets in the opening round of the tournament. She has also earned several coaching
honors including being named the CIAA Coach of the Year three times and earning the 2010
NCAA Division I Independent Coach of the Year award.
As impressive as her coaching career has been, Hilliard-Gray has also proven to be an
administrative leader for the Rams as well. During her career, she has led several department
initiatives, including community involvement and student-athlete life skills development. In
addition to leading the department's community service efforts, she also organizes and facilitates
professional development workshops, and educational training sessions. In 2014, she was
designated as Senior Woman Administrator while also taking on the role as the department's
Deputy Title IX Coordinator and advisor of WSSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
(SAAC).
Hilliard-Gray is a graduate of Hampton University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science
degree in Sport Management. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Adult Education from
North Carolina A&T State University.
Prior to joining the WSSU Department of Athletics, Hilliard-Gray completed an internship at the
CIAA and gained insight into conference office management, ticket sales, and oversight of
conference championship tournaments. She is a graduate of the NCAA Women's Coaches
Academy and the NCAA/NACWAA Institute for Administrative Advancement. She is also a
member of the Women's Leaders in College Sports, National Association of Academic and
Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) and National Fastpitch Coaches Association
(NFCA).
Dennis Felder
Dr. Dennis Felder is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the accredited Sport
Management at Winston-Salem State University, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His public
service activities include: Board Member For The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest
North Carolina and the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Commission. Other community
involvement include: The Greater Winston Kiwanis Club where he served as President and
Lieutenant Governor of the 5th District, Board Member for the Mechanics & Farmers Bank,
Chairperson for the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, and CPR
Standard First Instructor for the American Red Cross.
Felder's professional activities include: elected President of the North Carolina Association for
Athletic Education, Chairperson for the Ethnic Minority Committee for the North Carolina
Alliance for Athletic, Health , Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Association & Member
of the Editorial Board.
In addition, he has published and presented articles at the local, state and national level. Subjects
of his articles and/or oral presentations include: "The Effect of Franklin vs Gwinnett County on
the Sexual Harassment Policy in Secondary Education," "How Do You Spell Success In
Coaching", "Who Has The Last Word-Coaches or Athletes" "Win, Loose or Draw-Motivating
the Student Athletes.
● PhD, Curriculum & Instruction/Athletic Administration, 1982, Kansas State
University
● MS, Athletic Administration, 1976, Kansas State University
● BS, Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance, 1974, Alcorn State University
Felder, Dennis & Wishnietsky "The National Letter of Intent: Are You Sure You Want To Sign?
The North Carolina Journal of North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education,
Recreation & Dance, Vol. 45 Number 1 Spring 2010
Board of Governor's Excellence In Teaching Award 2008
Sport Management Professional Of The Year For The North Carolina Alliance For Athletics,
Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 2007
Karen Dunlap
Dunlap is entering into her 14th year as a member of the WSSU Athletic Department staff. She
will continue to serve as the executive assistant for athletics in charge of budget management
where she will provide additional administrative support to the department. Dunlap will
primarily concern herself with the Athletic Department's-day-to day business affairs. She brings
with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as her professional career includes 25 years of
service with Livingstone College.
While at Livingstone, Dunlap served in the Alumni Affairs Office and the Department of College
Operations. She is a graduate of Catawba College where she earned a bachelor of arts in business
administration. She received her MBA from the University of Phoenix in May of 2005. Dunlap
continues to remain active in many professional and community service organizations and helps
to spearhead the WSSU Department of Athletics' community initiatives.
John Lavender
John Lavender joined the Winston-Salem State University Sports Medicine staff in the spring of
2013. In addition to strong knowledge of athletic training as well as a wealth of experience,
Lavender also brings a unique perspective and a passion that help ensure the safety, well-being,
and athletic performances of the Rams and Lady Rams student-athletes.
Lavender joins the WSSU athletic training staff, following a long and diverse career in the field
of athletic training. Throughout his years of experience in the field of athletic training, he has
worked with both high school and collegiate athletes in private therapy clinics, and even
developed a dance medicine program for performing artists at the North Carolina School of the
Arts. He also received the honor of being selected as a member of the athletic training staff for
the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked with international athletes.
While maintaining his certification and continuing involvement in athletic training, Lavender
spent a few years selling orthopedic trauma devices. During this time, observing surgeries and
reviewing x-rays provided him with invaluable experience and a unique perspective regarding
orthopedic injuries. After missing the day-to-day practice of athletic training and the satisfaction
gained from helping athletes prevent and rehabilitate injuries, he has returned to athletic training
and is honored to be a member of the Winston-Salem State University athletic training staff.
Lavender is a 1994 graduate of Elon, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.
He also earned a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University in
1999.
Etienne Thomas
Etienne Thomas comes to Winston-Salem State University after serving the last year at Kentucky
State University as the director of athletics. There, she partnered with the coaches and staff in
moving the department “Onward, Upward, and Forward” in alignment with the university’s
mission. Among her efforts was realigning the cheerleading program within the athletics
department and hiring a permanent head coach; creating a director of strength & conditioning
position; and establishing a men’s volleyball program. Additionally, the Thorobreds replaced the
basketball game floor for the William Exum Center and returned the administrative offices to the
historic Bell Gymnasium. At the conclusion of the 2019 football campaign, KSU began the
process of installing synthetic turf in Alumni Stadium. Thomas’ time at KSU was also
highlighted by championship game participation in women’s volleyball and women’s volleyball,
as well as the selection of the university’s first academic All-American.
Prior to Thomas’ arrival in Frankfort, she served Kansas Athletics as the associate athletics
director of student life beginning in 2017. Thomas served as KU’s liaison with the Office of
Institutional Opportunity & Access (IOA) and oversaw diversity, gender equity and inclusion
education and training for student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as student conduct for KU
Athletics. She was also the sports supervisor for rowing. Prior to Kansas, Thomas began working
at North Carolina Central University in 2008 as the associate athletic director for internal
operations/senior woman administrator before being promoted to senior associate athletics
director for internal operations/senior woman administrator in the fall of 2016.
Before her time at NCCU, Thomas served as the director of compliance at San Jose State
University. She added the duties of associate athletics director in July 2006. As a sports
supervisor in the Spartans’ 16-sports program, she oversaw men’s and women’s soccer and
softball.
She also worked at Howard University (2002-03) in Washington, D.C.; Saint Paul’s College
(2001-02) in Lawrenceville, Virginia; and at North Carolina Central University (2001-02).
The 1996 graduate of North Carolina Central University majored in political science. She has
completed coursework for a J.D. degree from The University of Iowa College of Law. Thomas,
born in Waterloo, Iowa, and raised in Hempstead, New York, is married to Byron Thomas, of
Oxford, North Carolina and a UNC-Chapel Hill former football student-athlete, and she is the
mother of Jermaine (9) and cousin/guardian to Sydney (25).
Dr. Cynthia Williams-Brown
Dr. Brown is currently Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Health, Physical
Education, & Sport Studies (HPSS). Dr. Brown's research interests include obesity prevention
and intervention in children and college women; and cardiovascular disease interventions in
women. She is also interested in community health outreach programs, especially those related to
faith based institutions. Dr. Brown designs and conducts physical activity intervention for
children, youth and adults. Her current research focuses on weight management and chronic
disease in African American adults and obesity prevention in children. Dr. Brown, a former high
school physical education teacher and coach, became a member of the faculty at Winston-Salem
State University in 1998. She has been chair of HPSS since 2000. She serves on numerous
university committees, is active in professional organizations, and is involved in work with the
community.
Educational Background
● PhD, 1998, University of South Carolina
● MS, 1988, North Carolina Central University
● BS, 1981, Shaw University
April Reid
April Reid joined the Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics as the equipment
manager and gameday operations assistant in the fall of 2016, but she is far from a stranger to the
Rams. An alumnus of Winston-Salem State, she spent two years as a student equipment manager
with the Rams. She is tasked with managing the athletics equipment of all of the teams at
Winston-Salem State as well as managing the procurement, maintenance, and repair of all WSSU
athletics equipment and apparel.
She brings over a decade of experience in the field of equipment management.
Reid is a 2012 graduate of Winston-Salem State where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Psychology.
Tiffany Massey
Tiffany Massey joined the Winston-Salem State University athletics staff in the fall of 2018. She
comes to Winston-Salem State University with a strong talent and enthusiasm that will help push
the Rams to higher heights. In the spring of 2021, she added the duties of Compliance Assistant
to her title.
Massey comes to Winston-Salem State after completing a successful playing career at Albany
State University. While at Albany State, she enjoyed a terrific collegiate career. She was an
HBCU DII first team pitcher in 2017 and a second-team All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (SIAC) pitcher.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health & Human Performance from Albany State
University
Yolanda McLean
The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics took a big leap forward with the
addition of Yolanda McLean as its Director of Business & Finance. With the oversight and
management of the WSSU athletics budget under her care, the future of the Rams is in great
hands.
McLean comes to Winston-Salem State University with an impressive resume, and she is well
prepared to lead the financial future of Rams Athletics. She comes to Winston-Salem State
University after over 17 years at UNC-Greensboro where she held several positions. Most
recently, she served as a Post Award Grant Accountant for the Spartans and managed 90+
research grants and contracts. Prior to her time in Contracts & Grants, she served as the Assistant
Director for Scholarships in the UNCG Financial Aid Office for over nine years where she
managed 1000+ university and departmental scholarship accounts as well as served as a liaison
to students and staff across campus for various financial aid needs. McLean also served as the
Assistant Director for Public Relations for two years where she managed all financial aid
counseling services, presentations, and event planning. She began her career at UNC-Greensboro
in 2004 when she served as a Financial Aid Counselor and continued to grow her resume in the
areas of student support services and business management. Prior to joining the Spartans, she
served as a Program Assistant with the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management. She
began her professional career as a high school history teacher in her hometown of Sanford, NC.
It was a strong educational career that prepared McLean for her professional career. She is a
2001 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Psychology and she is currently in the final year of earning a Master of Education Degree in
Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from UNC-Greensboro.
She and her daughter, Kayla, currently reside in Greensboro, N.C.
Sonya Hurt
The Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics took a giant step forward with the
hiring of Sonya Hurt as its Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance & Student-Athlete
Services. With some great experience along with a terrific education, Hurt is poised to make a
tremendous impact on the future of Rams athletics.
"It is always a GREAT day when we can have a member of the Ramily graduate from WSSU,
depart and return to serve their Alma Mater with the education and lifelong learning they
experienced while a co-ed coupled with the expertise they have gathered during their career,"
said Winston-Salem State University Director of Athletics Etienne Thomas. "I was seeking a
seasoned administrator to join our team in this capacity, someone who has expertise in the areas
of compliance and student services in addition to the leadership qualities to encourage
partnership with their colleagues within the Department of Athletics and across the campus.
Sonya embodies each of these qualities in addition to her many experiences throughout her
extensive career in college athletics. We are elated to have her as the newest member of our
team and look forward to her arrival back home in Winston-Salem."
Hurt comes to Winston-Salem State University after spending 16 years at Rider University where
she served as the coordinator of academic services for athletics. It is a position that she had held
since March of 2004. Currently, Hurt is primarily responsible for leading the Broncos' academic
support unit in providing quality and need-based services that enhance academic progress,
facilitate career development, and encourage the psychological growth of all student-athletes,
assisted the compliance office with preparation for NCAA academic eligibility waivers and
educating the Rider student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) on legislation updates and
changes. She also coordinated the athletics department's ARETE, Student Transitional Education
Program (STEP) and study-table programs. She also assisted in the development of the Broncs
for Combating Hatred, Healing, Advocating, Nourishing, Guiding Education (CHANGE) task
force, which is a SAAC initiative to promote Diversity & Inclusion in the Rider Department of
Athletics.
Prior to joining the staff at Rider, she spent two years at Bethune-Cookman University from
2002-2004. During her time at Bethune-Cookman, Hurt served as the compliance liaison for the
athletic department, campus advisement center and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
(MEAC) office, preparing NCAA waivers, investigating eligibility issues and conducting
monthly NCAA rules education sessions for the department She also began the university's first
academic support program for football student-athletes during her tenure at the university.
She also worked at Fairleigh Dickinson University where she served as the director of academic
support from 1999-2002. At Fairleigh Dickinson, Hurt was responsible for overseeing academic
eligibility, tutoring programs, study table, and coordinated a faculty/staff mentorship program for
the department of athletics. From 1998-2000, Hurt served as an intern for the NCAA in
membership services. While with the NCAA, she provided NCAA interpretations and conducted
waiver reviews for the membership.
Throughout her career, Hurt has taken advantage of several opportunities for professional
development. In 2016, she was a graduate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
(NAIA) Professional Development Institute (now known as The Steve McDonnell PDI).
Graduates of the institute have gone on to become nationally recognized leaders in the fields of
student-athlete support services, college athletics, conference administration and higher
education. She is also an active member of the National Association of Athletic Academic
Advisors and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), Minority Opportunity Athletic
Association (MOAA), WSSUNAA-NJ Chapter, Women in Sport and Entertainment (WISE), the
Rider University President's Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Clarence E.
"Big House" Gaines WSSU Athletics Hall of Fame as a member of the Rams' 1984-86 softball
team.
In addition to service in her career, Hurt has taken time to give back to the community as well.
She has volunteered her time with the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Jersey, Community Food
Bank of New Jersey, Special Olympics, and the KIPP Collegiate Academy.
Hurt is no stranger to Winston-Salem State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in
Health, Physical Education and Sport Management in 1990 as well as a Master's degree in Sport
Administration from Grambling State University in December 1996.
Angela Daniels
Angela Daniels is a vital support to Winston-Salem State University serving the University as the
Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics. There, she partners with internal and external
executives, administration, coaches, and staff in her integral role and alignment with the
university’s mission “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.” Among her efforts was realigning the
hiring onboarding processes for key staff within the Department of Athletics, i.e., 9 Sports and
Administration programs.
Angela is the founder of Global Virtual Solutions, Inc. that provides virtual resources and
administrative support to companies across the country while connecting people, clients, and
families to success.
In addition to currently pursuing a B. S. degree in Business Administration, Angela began her
career as a seasoned professional 30+ years ago.
She keeps abreast of the ever-changing laws, policies, procedures and focuses her attention on
the department’s developing role in the totality of her position in administration and is expanding
her skills and knowledge with administrative, payroll, budget, etc. She is excellent in research,
execution and follow through. and enjoys and understands computer technology, i.e., Banner, MS
Office, QuickBooks, SciQuest, Teams and other pertinent software. She continues to hold
training within her department to ensure awareness of policies, procedures and responsibilities
are operating accurately, effortlessly, and efficiently.
Angela Daniels
Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics
B.S. Business Administration Pursuant
Prior to WSSU, Daniels began working at the Winston-Salem Chronicle in 2014 as the Senior
Account Sales Representative for Corporate Accounts within the City of Winston-Salem and the
Triad. No stranger to Professional Development and the epitome of support Daniels executed,
exceled, and exceeded her strengths to numerous corporations, businesses and executives.
Daniels, born in Washington, DC, and raised in Clinton, North Carolina, is the mother of a
Biology Major and freshmen in college. She believes in the passage “whatever your hands find
to do, do it with all your might.”
