Vanderbilt Appoints First Black Female Athletic Director in SEC History

Photo: AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

May 21, Candace Storey Lee became the full-time Vanderbilt University athletic director. Lee had served as interim director since February. She is the first Black female athletic director in the history of the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference (SEC).

“I am incredibly honored to lead the Commodores, and I could not have been in this position without the support of the university’s leadership, our dedicated coaches and staff, and all of Commodore Nation,” said Lee.
“There are challenges ahead and much uncertainty about what college athletics can and should look like during a pandemic, but I firmly believe that anything is possible if we all work together. My priority, and the university’s priority, continues to be examining everything we can do to support our student-athletes and ensure their safety and well-being.”

Incoming Vanderbilt chancellor Daniel Diermeier said in a statement,
“Candice is perfectly positioned to lead our athletics program to new heights of success on and off the field of play. She has the drive, creativity, and perseverance to help elevate our student-athletes, and the entire Vanderbilt Athletics program.”

Lee previously held the roles of deputy athletic director and senior woman administrator. She is also a Vanderbilt alumna and was a captain on the women’s basketball team.