Tiffani-Dawn Sykes out as AD as FAMU overhaul underway

Tiffani-Dawn Sykes era at Florida A&M University (FAMU) is over.

Sykes is out as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University as the university is on the brink of a leadership upheaval. HBCU Gameday’s Vaughn Wilson obtained a letter in which interim president Dr. Timothy Beard asked the leadership staff to resign.

Sykes, however, did not resign according to HBCU Gameday sources. Michael Smith is reportedly at the helm of FAMU athletics.

Tiffani-Dawn Sykes has made a significant impact throughout her career in collegiate athletics, particularly within HBCUs. A two-time HBCU graduate (Virginia State University and Grambling State), Sykes has dedicated much of her career to enhancing athletic programs and compliance standards. Her journey includes roles in the CIAA, SWAC, and MEAC, where she gained extensive experience in NCAA compliance and academic support.

Sykes’ appointment came at a crucial time, as Florida A&M University was recovering from a compliance debacle that was brought to light prior to a game against the University of North Carolina in 2022. Under her leadership, FAMU significantly bolstered its compliance and academic support staff, expanding the compliance team to seven positions and increasing the number of academic advisors from one to five.

FAMU found success in athletics in her tenure, winning the SWAC title and Celebration Bowl in 2023. Tennis, baseball, women’s cross country and women’s track and field all won SWAC titles during her tenure.

Despite the success in athletics, Sykes’ tenure was also highlighted by pushback on her recommended hires for the football and men’s basketball programs.

Even with those setbacks, Sykes was named “Nike Division I FCS Executive of The Year” for 2023 last month.

Florida A&M, the defending HBCU national champion, will kick off the 2024 college football season against Norfolk State University in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Aug. 24.

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