General | 2/11/2025 10:59:56 AM

NORFOLK, Va. - Two Athletic Directors from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will participate in the "Coffee with an AD" series hosted by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Tara Owens, the Vice President of Athletics & Recreation at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Dr. Melody Webb, Athletic Director at Norfolk State University, will both partake in the call on Wednesday, February 12, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) introduced the "Coffee with an AD" series in March 2021. This bi-weekly virtual program, delivered via Zoom, aims to foster open dialogue in a small group setting between sitting athletics directors and administrators. Each session features a team of five athletics directors facilitating breakout rooms with up to 25 participants, encouraging interactive discussions on current industry topics and professional development. 
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In recognition of Black History Month, NACDA will host a special edition of the series on February 12, 2025, featuring current African American athletics directors. This session is open to all NACDA & Affiliates members and will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations with these athletic administrative leaders.

The session is intended to facilitate open dialogue in a small group setting between an AD and administrators at all levels. These conversations are designed to be interactive between attendees and the AD leading the discussion. Individuals should understand that they are expected to come willing to ask questions and prepared to actively engage with their assigned AD and other attendees in the room.

Tara A. Owens, University of Maryland Eastern Shore - Owens serves as the Vice President of Athletics & Recreation at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Owens was elevated to Vice President in July of 2023. She was originally hired at UMES in September of 2022 as the Director of Athletics.

Since joining UMES, Owens has made significant strides in enhancing the university's athletic programs which includes academic success, athletic prowess, operational improvements and facility upgrades. The academic success of UMES student-athletes resulted in the Hawks claiming the MEAC award for highest Academic Progress Rate in the conference.

Dr. Melody Webb, Norfolk State University - Dr. Webb was appointed to the position of University Athletics Director on July 1, 2020 after serving for six years at NSU as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration/Senior Woman Administrator. She became the ninth athletics director in the history of Norfolk State, and the first female to hold the role. 

Since stepping into the position, Norfolk State has reached new heights throughout the department. The Spartans have won 16 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles, including five in the 2023-24 academic year.