Dawson hired as Director of Athletic Communications

MOUNT OLIVE - The University of Mount Olive welcomes Maya Dawson as the new Director of Athletic Communications. A native of Suffolk, Va., Dawson brings extensive sports information experience to the Trojans.

She joins UMO after serving as the Assistant Director of Sports Communications at Norfolk State University since Jan. 23. Previously, she was Assistant Athletic Communications Director at Cornell College and also completed internships with the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Norfolk Tides Minor League Baseball Team.

"We are excited to welcome Maya Dawson as our new Director of Athletic Communications at the University of Mount Olive," said Athletic Director Joey Higginbotham. "She brings a strong background in sports media, creativity, and a passion for telling the stories of our student-athletes and teams. Her leadership and vision will play a vital role in elevating our communications and continuing to showcase the success of Trojan athletics on and off the field."

Dawson brings more than seven years of sports information and media relations across multiple levels of athletics.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Mass Communications/General Broadcast from Norfolk State in 2022. From 2018-2022, she supported athletic communications for multiple NSU sports and helped host several Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournaments.

"I want to thank Mr. Higginbotham, Mrs. Gurley, and the UMO staff for welcoming me into the Mount Olive family," said Dawson. "I am super excited for the opportunity and can't wait to get started."

Dawson will officially begin her role on Monday, Aug. 25.