TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair announced that Nicole Alderson Harris has been promoted to the position of Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer.
Harris joined the Rockets in March of 2023 as Senior Associate Athletic Director. Since then, she has been instrumental in providing leadership in the department’s efforts in numerous areas, including the launch of the department’s strategic plan, Rise Together, the addition of women’s rowing and name-image-likeness initiatives, while serving as a key advisor on the hiring of several head coaches, including women’s basketball, swimming & diving and rowing.
“Nicole has been an invaluable leader and teammate within Toledo Athletics, and I’m excited to elevate her to the role of Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer,” said Blair. “Her relentless work ethic, sharp strategic mind, and unique perspective as a former Division I student-athlete have made her a trusted and respected voice across our department. Nicole has earned the confidence of our coaches, staff, student-athletes, and external partners through her integrity, professionalism, and consistent ability to execute at a high level. She will continue to play a critical role in shaping our culture and advancing our mission in bold and meaningful ways.”
“I’m honored to step into the role of Deputy Director of Athletics at Toledo,” said Harris. “This department has a proud tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to continue building on that legacy. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our incredible student-athletes, coaches, and staff to elevate Toledo Athletics to new heights. I’m especially grateful to Bryan Blair for his leadership and trust; his vision continues to inspire and challenge me to grow every day.”
In addition to her administrative leadership roles, Harris serves as the sport administrator for football, women’s basketball, women’s swimming & diving and women’s rowing, and has oversight over academics & student-athlete development and strength & conditioning. She also represents the University in Mid-American Conference governance structure as the department’s senior woman administrator.
Prior to coming to Toledo, Harris served as Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development/Senior Woman Administrator at Grand Canyon University, an NCAA Division I school in Phoenix, Arizona. While at Grand Canyon, Harris served on the NIL Disclosure Committee and Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Sports Management committees.
Harris also worked at Florida Atlantic University from 2015-21, managing the academic, life skills and career development for nearly 450 student-athletes in FAU’s Student-Athlete Success Center. She began her career at the University of Louisville, her alma mater, where she was assistant director of academic and vocational services where she managed and oversaw academic support services in the Yum! Academic Center from 2012-15.
A native of Carlisle, Ont., Harris earned a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, with a double concentration in exercise science and physical education, as well as a Master of Science in sport administration, from Louisville. Harris was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s rowing team for the Cardinals.
Harris and her husband Tryshawn make their home in Toledo.
This article was published by UT Rockets on 2025-08-01 09:49:00
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