DEKALB, Ill. -- Northern Illinois University Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier announced on Monday (Aug. 31) the promotion of Courtney Vinson to Deputy Chief of Staff/Executive Associate Athletic Director of Sports Administration/Senior Woman Administrator. 

"This is a well-deserved promotion for Courtney," said Frazier. "She is an extremely valuable member of our senior staff and does an excellent job in the myriad of different roles she plays within our department. I am happy that we are able to recognize Courtney's outstanding work with this promotion."

Vinson, who was promoted to Executive Associate Athletic Director in 2024 after having served as Senior Associate Athletic Director since her arrival at NIU in 2018, will serve as NIU Athletics' liaison with the NIU Board of Trustees, the Horizon League as well as the President and Provost's Offices. 

In addition, Vinson will serve as the Senior Staff Meeting Coordinator for the NIU Athletics executive team. She is also the sport administrator for the NIU Men's Basketball, Women's Soccer and Gymnastics programs. 

A former track and field student-athlete at Florida A&M, Vinson earned her bachelor's degree from FAMU before receiving her master's in athletic administration from Marshall University. She came to NIU from the University of Memphis, having also spent time at Akron, Clemson and UCF.