For over two decades, LaTaya Hilliard-Gray has been a part of the Winston-Salem State University family and she has made major contributions at every turn. In January of 2021, she made another stride forward when she was named the position of Associate Director of Athletics. In the role of Associate Director of Athletics, Hilliard-Gray will have a pivotal role in the leadership of the Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics.
Administrative leadership is nothing new to Hilliard-Gray as she has spent the past seven years as the designated Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at Winston-Salem State University. She has also spent that time serving as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Advisor.
During that time, Hilliard-Gray has spear-headed numerous efforts within the department. One of the key areas that she has led the coordination of the department’s community service efforts. Over the past decade, the Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics has completed over 2,000 hours of service within the Winston-Salem, North Carolina community each year. She has also led the implementation of Project M.A.C. (Mindful Alcohol Choices). In addition to being a leader of the Winston-Salem State University student-athletes, she has also led several staff professional develop workshops, educational training sessions, and community engagement as well.
In preparation for her role as an administrator, Hilliard-Gray has taken advantage of numerous educational opportunities. She is a graduate of NCAA/NACWAA Institute for Administrative Advancement, a participant in the NCAA Governance Academy as well as a member of the Women’s Leaders in College Sports Organization.
Her promotion to the title of Associate Director of Athletics comes after a terrific professional career. It was as an intern with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) where her career began. While with the CIAA, she gained valuable knowledge of conference management, ticket sales, and oversight of championship tournaments. She joined the Winston-Salem State University Department of Athletics as the assistant volleyball coach in 2000 before moving to the position of assistant softball coach in 2001. She moved into the role of head volleyball coach from 2003 to 2006 and she became head of the Rams softball program in the spring of 2003, a position she continues to hold in addition to her role/duties as the Associate Director of Athletics.Â
Hilliard-Gray is a 2000 graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management. She earned a Master of Science in Adult Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development from North Carolina A&T State University. She and her husband, Lamont reside in the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
