The University of Maryland Eastern Shore named Chakita Crews Associate Athletics Director for Academics on Oct. 13, 2026. Crews succeeds former Associate Athletics Director Collene Dean, who recently retired from the university.
Crews will support the academic development and success of Hawk student-athletes. Her appointment adds an athletics leadership role to more than 18 years of service at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Chakita Crews brings UMES experience
Before joining Athletics, Crews held positions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as Transfer Credit Coordinator, Transfer Credit Counselor and IT Data Entry Specialist. Her previous work included responsibilities related to university operations, academic records management, student services and transfer credit processes.
Crews earned a Master of Business Administration from Wilmington University with a concentration in Homeland Security in 2012. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2008.
Crews joins UMES athletics leadership
Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Tara A. Owens said Crews’ institutional knowledge and experience in academic administration and student services will support the department’s academic commitment. Owens also recognized Dean’s career and longstanding service to the university.
“We are pleased to welcome Chakita Crews to the UMES Athletics leadership team as Associate Athletics Director for Academics,” said Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Tara A. Owens. “Her more than 18 years of service to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, coupled with her extensive institutional knowledge and experience in academic administration and student services, position her well to advance our continued commitment to the academic achievement and overall success of our student-athletes. As we transition and welcome the newest member of our staff, we sincerely appreciate and continue to recognize Collene Dean for her distinguished career and longstanding service to the university. Her dedication and contributions have played an important role in supporting our student-athletes and strengthening our department.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore athletic department posted a cumulative student-athlete grade-point average of 3.56 last semester, with every team achieving a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Crews will support that academic focus in her new role.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Chakita Crews brings more than 18 years of University of Maryland Eastern Shore experience to the Associate Athletics Director for Academics position. Her prior work in transfer credit, student services and university operations aligns with her responsibility to support Hawk student-athletes’ academic development and success.
Source: Original report
