JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Edward Waters University has officially named Ms. Ashley Conner as its new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, ushering in a new era of leadership for the Tigers beginning January 2026.
A respected leader within the department and across campus, Conner steps into the role after serving as Deputy Athletic Director, where she provided strategic oversight in academic support, athletic training, strength and conditioning, and key administrative operations. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the foundation of EWU Athletics while maintaining a steadfast commitment to student-athlete success.
Widely recognized for her dedication to holistic development, Conner has played a vital role in shaping the university's athletic programs through excellence in compliance, academic achievement, and operational effectiveness. Her appointment reflects the university's confidence in her vision, integrity, and proven ability to lead.
Conner joined Edward Waters Athletics in July 2023 as Associate Athletic Director for Student Services and Senior Woman Administrator. In that capacity, she directed NCAA compliance, student services, and academic support initiatives. Her leadership elevated departmental standards and enhanced the overall student-athlete experience, leaving a lasting impact on both academic outcomes and internal operations.
Her contributions to Edward Waters extend well beyond athletics administration. Prior to transitioning into athletics, Conner served as Executive Director of Student Success and Retention, where she led university-wide initiatives focused on improving academic performance, increasing retention rates, and expanding professional development opportunities for students. She also previously held the role of Director of First and Second Year Experience, spearheading transitional programming and retention strategies designed to strengthen student engagement and persistence.
Before her tenure at Edward Waters, Conner developed a strong foundation in higher education at Shaw University. During her five-year tenure, she served in multiple capacities including Admissions Counselor, Tour Coordinator, Athletics Liaison, and Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment. Her diverse experience in enrollment management and student engagement has uniquely positioned her to understand and support the full student-athlete lifecycle — from recruitment to graduation.
A native of Blythewood, South Carolina, Conner earned her Bachelor of Social Work from North Carolina Central University in 2014 and a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Delaware State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy at Alabama A&M University, further demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and leadership development.
Driven by a passion for student development and intercollegiate athletics, Conner remains committed to advancing compliance standards, competitive performance, and a culture that prioritizes the total well-being of student-athletes. As she steps into her new role, her vision centers on sustained excellence, integrity, and the continued elevation of Edward Waters University Athletics.
Above all, Conner is a dedicated mother to her son, Kayden — a role she considers her greatest accomplishment and motivation.
With Conner at the helm, Edward Waters University Athletics is poised for continued growth and success in the years ahead.
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men's and seven women's sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.