The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference announced that Kiki Baker Barnes is the 2013-14 GCAC Athletics Director of the Year. Barnes recently completed her eighth year in the position at Dillard University, and she also serves as GCAC President. She first won the award back in 2010-11.
“I believe in not being afraid to fail, not worrying about what other people have to say, doing your best, working hard, having integrity,” said Barnes.
Her immediate boss seems to have noticed the hard work, long hours and tireless dedication Barnes has put forth, especially this year as it proved to be her first year as the full time athletic director.
“As President of the GCAC, she took the lead in the hiring of our new commissioner,” said Dillard University President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough. “They have formed a great team that helped produce a fantastic basketball tournament. Her leadership has been also noted by the chair of the council of presidents.”
Some of her important achievements throughout the academic calendar year include:
- Wrote a grant to help fund the DUFIT Summer Fitness Camp
- Led and completed facility renovation of athletics weight room, which included installing a new floor and purchasing new weight and training equipment
- Had student-athletes create a Live 5 hand gesture that was featured at 2014 NAIA National Convention
- Dillard University athletics received Five Star Champions of Character Award for the 6th year in a row
- For the 2nd year in a row, Dillard University won conference student of character award (2013-Jonquil Griffin; 2014 Amber Tramel) as well as conference coach of character award (2014-Bobby Williams)
- Men’s 4×4 meter relay team finished 3rd in the nation at the NAIA National Outdoor Track & Field Meet
- 2014 GCAC Men’s Track Champions
- 2014 GCAC Women’s Track and Cross Country teams both 1st runner-up
- Named to Gambit’s Top 40 under 40 list of New Orleans young professionals who are making a difference in the community
“Mrs. Barnes has been a pioneer in athletics as a coach, athletic director and conference president,” said Steven Martin, GCAC Commissioner. “Her vision and tireless work has been a catalyst in developing the strategic plan for the growth of athletics at Dillard University and the GCAC.”
Barnes is close to finishing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of New Orleans. Her anticipated graduation date is December 2014.
When asked about how she was able to become so successful at such a young age, Barnes responded confidently.
“I try to use the talents that God has blessed me with and I try to be a visionary leader. I am grateful for his blessings and will continue to try to affect positive change in my career and community.”
Courtesy: Dillard University
