Stevens Named Division II Nike Executive of the Year

Dr. Bren Stevens, UC Vice President & Director of Athletics, was named the “DII Nike Executive of the Year” by Women Leaders in College Sports.

Since taking over at the helm of the athletic department, Stevens has had 70 different teams advance to the NCAA tournament. UC has captured the Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup in 2014, and finished first in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The UC Athletics Program secured its first-ever top 25 finish in the Learfield Cup Standings for the 2021-22 academic year with a 17th place finish.

“Bren is an exceptional leader,” shared University of Charleston President Marty Roth. “She is an active and empathetic listener, always ready to problem-solve and lend support, and a great motivator who brings others enthusiastically with her in pursuit of excellence. This award is testament to the positive impact Bren has on her athletes, coaches, colleagues, and community.”

Stevens’ commitment to academic excellence has paid off, as during the past ten years, approximately 712 UC student athletes have been inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a national athlete honor society. Students that are recipients of this honor must achieve an overall 3.4 GPA or higher and have completed 60 or more hours in their declared majors. The number of student-athletes on campus has increased from 311 in 2012 to 614 in 2022.

The Women Leaders in College Sports organization also notes that the University of Charleston is the beneficiary of her integrity, optimism, relentless energy, and dedication to everyone involved with the UC athletics program. Stevens developed the first-ever Strategic Plan for the Athletic Department in which she and her staff focus daily on academic excellence, competitive success, program integrity, and external outreach. In 2019, she was promoted to the role of Vice President and now serves as a preeminent leader on the President’s Cabinet.

Her commitment to and advocacy for women working in sports has been on display for many years, and her passion and love for UC is evident.