Dr. Karin Lee Named Deputy AD/SWA/Chief Diversity Officer at Alabama
8/24/2022 2:59:00 PM | General
Director of Athletics Greg Byrne finalizes executive team with addition of Lee
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Veteran collegiate athletics administrator Dr. Karin Lee has been appointed Deputy Director of Athletics at Alabama and will hold the designations of Senior Woman Administrator and Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced on Wednesday.
Lee returns to Tuscaloosa after 15 years at Ball State University, where she began as Associate Athletic Director in 2007 and elevated to Deputy Athletic Director/SWA. She was a part of the Alabama Department of Athletics from 1997-2007, overseeing the Life Skills program and community outreach.
"We are pleased to welcome Karin back to Alabama," said Byrne. "She impressed us throughout the entire interview process and know she will be an incredible addition to our executive team. Karin comes highly recommended from many industry leaders, which is no surprise after seeing all she's been involved with and accomplished in her career."
As a member of Ball State's senior leadership group, Lee supervised six sports, business operations (2011-15) and human resources (2007-15, 2022) and oversaw Title IX, gender equity and diversity items along with student-athlete welfare and development. She also assisted with head coach search committees and athletic compliance within the department.
"I would like to thank Director Greg Byrne for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to working with the staff, coaches and student-athletes at Alabama," said Lee. "The University of Alabama provided me the opportunity to start my career and now to return back to where it all began is something I will cherish."
Lee was responsible for cultivating athletic alumni relations and chaired the Hall of Fame committee. She served as liaison between various departments within the university including Housing and Residence Life and managed the advisor and co-advisor of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
In addition to her on-campus responsibilities, Lee has extensive national and conference committee experience including the NCAA Women's Volleyball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Post Graduate Scholarship and Minority Opportunity and Interests Committees. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and Women Leaders in College Sports.
Lee began her career at North Carolina, where she served as an athletic academic advising intern from 1996-97. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Capella University in addition to a Master of Arts from UNC and a Bachelor of Arts from UNC Greensboro.
In addition to Lee, five other individuals make up Byrne's executive leadership team including:
J. Batt – Executive Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer/Chief Revenue Officer
Jessica Paré – Deputy Director of Athletics, External
Matt Self – Deputy Director of Athletics, Compliance and Support Services
Kyle Vasey – Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Chief Financial Officer
Mike Ward – Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Athletics Student Services
