DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Boasting a 20-year career in university coaching and athletics administration, Rachel Burleson has been named Embry-Riddle's incoming Athletics Director.
Burleson comes to Embry-Riddle from Franklin Pierce University, in New Hampshire, where she led a staff of more than 60 people, serving as Director of Athletics since 2017. In that position, she raised more than $3 million, which was used to improve student experience and support facilities upgrades. Earlier this year, she was named Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Directors of Athletics.
"I have always believed my job is to hire people smarter than myself and let them do their job," Burleson said in a recent newspaper article about her win. "Franklin Pierce Athletics, and the success we have seen, is a true testament of the coaches, staff and student-athletes. A recognition such as this is only possible when we work together."
Previously, Burleson served as Associate Director for Compliance and Administration at Missouri Southern State University, 2013-2017; Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment, Events and Facilities at Western State Colorado University, 2012-2013; and Assistant Athletic Director at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 2008-2012, where she also served as head softball coach and taught Health, Physical Education and Recreation as an assistant professor.
"Rachel is an advocate for students both on and off the field, and we're thrilled to welcome her to campus," said Embry-Riddle's Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Kelly Austin. "Embry-Riddle athletes are students first and, as evidenced by Rachel's own approach to academics — continually pursuing new degrees throughout her career — she is a lifelong learner who will lead by example."
Burleson holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports from Tarleton State University, a master's in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and an MBA from Franklin Pierce University. Additionally, she is scheduled to earn her Ed.D. in Higher Education from Wilmington University next year.
Burleson has also served in leadership positions on several national boards and committees, including serving as chair of the NE10 Executive Committee, as a member of the D2 ADA Executive Board, as well as the New England Women's Hockey Executive Committee. She's a member of the National Connector Women's Rowing Coaching Connection and the NCAA DII National Men's Lacrosse Committee. She also chaired the DII National Rowing Committee, the Rowing East Regional Advisory Committee and held many more posts on national boards.
Tasked with championing our student-athletes both on and off the field, Burleson will design a strategic vision for our Department of Athletics, as well as network with 35 corporate partners to support the program's success locally and nationally. Based on the Daytona Beach Campus, she will be responsible for all aspects of Embry-Riddle's program, including managing budgets, hiring coaches, ensuring compliance with sporting regulations, managing infrastructure and driving attendance at games.
Currently, Eagle teams attract a vibrant audience, with attendance reaching over 36,000 spectators for the university's annual ticketed events.
John Phillips — who served as Embry-Riddle's director of athletics since 2014, in addition to holding various other roles within the athletics department at Embry-Riddle since 1997 — will remain in the role until June 30. John's many years of service helped mold the university's athletics programs into what they are today, and Embry-Riddle is grateful for the vision and work ethic that he instilled in our teams and student-athletes over the years. John announced plans to step down from his post this January.
Burleson's first day on campus will be July 1, 2024.
