St. Paul, Minn. – Today, Macalester College Vice President of Student Affairs Donna Lee announced that Donald “Donnie” Brooks will be the next Director of Athletics at Macalester College. Brooks comes to Macalester after serving as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss.

“Donnie brings an invigorating energy, a depth of experience, and a passion for and commitment to Division III athletics that is unparalleled,” Lee said. “I am excited for his dynamic, visionary leadership and the new heights to which our program will soar. It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome Donnie and his family to the Macalester community!”

During Brooks’ two and a half years at Millsaps, the department added varsity men’s and women’s swimming, built the college’s first varsity track and field facilities, created the first full-time strength and conditioning office in the athletics conference, added full-time assistant coaches to all varsity sports, and developed focused study hall sessions. He also oversaw facilities upgrades for softball, club and intramural sports, re-established the M-Club Advisory Board for athletics, and served on several committees across campus that collaborated with athletics. The number of Academic All-Conference student-athletes increased each year under Brooks’ leadership.

Also active on a national level, Brooks serves on several committees. He is currently the Co-Chair of the National Association of Division III Directors of Athletics Education Committee and is on the NCAA Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant Selection Committee. Brooks also has been a member of the Minority Opportunities in Athletics Association (MOAA) since 2011.

Prior to his time at Millsaps, Brooks spent five years at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Peak Performance. In this role, he oversaw the Peak Performance Program, which delivers academic, athletic and personal development initiatives to Dartmouth’s 35 varsity athletic programs and over 1,000 student-athletes.

Brooks began his career in athletics administration at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. He received a two-year position as a part of the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women’s Internship grant in 2006 before being promoted to a faculty position in 2008. While at Williams, Brooks served in many roles, including Assistant Director of Athletics, Assistant Professor of Physical Education, and assistant coach for both football and lacrosse.

“Donnie’s passion for Macalester’s mission and expertise building strong college athletics programs made him stand out among a highly competitive field of candidates,” Macalester President Brian Rosenberg said. “During his visit to campus, his approach resonated strongly with student athletes, the hiring committee, and other members of the campus community who met him. We’re looking forward to having him join Macalester in January.”

A native of Houston, Texas, Brooks attended Springfield (Mass.) College, where he was a member of the football team. He graduated in 2002 with a degree in Business Management, and later earned a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Springfield while working with the football team as a graduate assistant coach.

“I thank Donna Lee and Brian Rosenberg for the opportunity to take a leadership role at this elite institution that values the learning that happens both in the classroom and in the laboratories we call practice,” Brooks said. “In addition to enhancing the student-athlete experience, it is my goal to ensure that the Macalester Athletics experience is a successful one for the entire Macalester College community.

“With top-notch facilities and a talented and experienced staff, there is potential for tremendous athletics success at Macalester. I am looking forward to working closely with our staff and exceptional student-athletes to help Macalester reach that potential.”

Brooks and his wife Shevie have three children: Alannah (12), Peyton (8) and Emmanuel (6 months). He will begin his new role as Macalester’s Director of Athletics on January 15.

December 11 2018

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