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Damon Evans, a veteran sports administrator who has led two nationally recognized programs, is º£½ÇÖ±²¥’s director of Athletics. He joined º£½ÇÖ±²¥ on June 1.

Learn more in the Q&A below about Evans’ vision for º£½ÇÖ±²¥’s future in the ACC, his view on the relationship between athletics and academics, and what led him to his career path.

Q: How will you position º£½ÇÖ±²¥ as a national contender across its athletic programs, especially as the University has entered a new era in the ACC?

We will be undertaking a thoughtful process in the months and years ahead to ensure that we are well-positioned to compete and win at the highest levels in the ACC and across the country. I will do everything in my power to provide our programs with the resources and support to compete at the highest level. To be clear, I don’t just want us to compete. I want us to win. Our president, our coaches, our student-athletes, our supporters, and our alumni and fans all share that same drive and deep desire to win.

The key to our success will be due in large part to our most important asset: our people. We will invest in people who lead with self-discipline, who think with intention, and who act in alignment with º£½ÇÖ±²¥’s mission, vision, and values.

Q: How do you plan to engage fans, alumni and the Dallas community in deeper, more meaningful ways with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Athletics?

We will work to build an even stronger culture and experience around everything related to Athletics. We have a strong on-field and on-court product and will continue to invest in it and ensure it meets the standard and keeps us highly competitive and entertaining. We will be aggressive in reaching out and inviting people across Dallas – whether they went to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ or not – to be part of this movement. We will engage people in many different ways. We are committed to evaluating every aspect of our program and how people experience it. That includes the game day experience.

Q: How do you plan to enhance the student-athlete experience at º£½ÇÖ±²¥?

There is nothing more important than providing our student-athletes with an incredible experience – academically, athletically, professionally, and personally. Our environment will always be centered on student-athlete success, not just here on the Hilltop, but for the rest of their lives. Whether we’re assisting them with their transition from sports to the professional world through our Life After Ball program or providing support and promotion through the Boulevard Collective, our students are our priority.

Q: In what ways do you plan to strengthen the relationship between athletics and academics on campus?

One of the main reasons I chose º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is President Hartzell’s philosophy on the importance of integrating academics and athletics. We share the belief that they support one another and are vital for what we expect to achieve in the years ahead. My background and experience have given me a laser-focused understanding of how athletics and education can, and must, coexist. I am committed to our student-athletes and preparing them for life beyond athletics as future leaders.

Q: What led you to your career path?

When I was playing football at Georgia, there was a pivotal moment when my team of 25 players was asked, “What do you want to do?” All but two of my teammates answered they wanted to go pro. I said I wanted to graduate from college. My grandfather didn’t go to college – in fact, he didn’t finish high school. He worked the rest of his life in a steel mill to support his family. I’ve dedicated my life to college athletics to encourage student-athletes to get an education. It’s my way of paying it forward. I’m so proud of the opportunities that have been given to me in my career.

Q: What are your first impressions about the º£½ÇÖ±²¥ community?

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has huge potential. What I’ve seen is that this Athletics Department is already moving in the right direction, blending athletic excellence with academic prowess. Our Athletics Department has elite coaches, both men’s and women’s. I believe we’re one of the top programs. I want to help innovate this enterprise and position us to grow to even greater heights.

Q: What are you most excited about in your role?

I believe that º£½ÇÖ±²¥ possesses all the key ingredients not just for continued success, but success at the next level. We have strong leadership from the Board and president, deep commitment from our community, alignment across campus, strong values, academic prestige, and a rising Athletics program led by exceptional coaches – all in the heart of Dallas, a top media market, a recruiting hotbed, a city built on winning big and ready to rally behind something big. That combination is rare. With these pieces in place, I am excited about the opportunity before us and the chance to do something few universities can.

Q: What books have shaped you as a leader and why?

As far as what books have shaped my leadership philosophy, I would point to two. Jack Welch’s Jack: Straight from the Gut helped me better understand embracing change. In addition, the book talked about his leadership philosophy of being straightforward and understanding the importance of people. Another book is The Art of War by Sun Tzu, which taught the following: You must really understand who you are as a leader, know your competitors backward and forward, be strategic and thoughtful in your approach, and maintain leverage when possible!