Hollins Named Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development/DEIB
10/14/2024 4:41:00โฏPM | General
KENT, Ohio โ Kent State Athletics is excited to announce that Michael Hollins has been named the new assistant athletic director for student-athlete development and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
In this role, Hollins will oversee student-athlete engagement programsย and DEIB initiatives for all sports.
"I am thrilled to welcome Michael to our Golden Flashes family," Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services Amy Densevich said. "His extensive experience and passion for empowering student-athletes will play a crucial role in the athletic department's mission of boldly preparing student-athletes for life after sport."
Hollins comes to Kent State after serving as the first-ever Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success and Leadership at John Carroll University the past two years. His responsibilities included fostering a stronger connection between the playing field, academics and professional development, and John Carroll's wide-ranging student support services for more than 700 student-athletes across 23 intercollegiate teams.
While serving as primary liaison for the Athletics Department with the Academic Success Center, academic advisors, and the University Counseling Center, Hollins spearheaded a comprehensive program of wellness, professional development, and personal excellence amongst student-athletes that promoted leadership, personal responsibility, and community engagement.
Prior to returning to his alma mater, he worked five years for the Maple Heights School District, including four as the Director of Maple Closing the Achievement Gap Initiative/Linkage Coordinator. In this role, Hollins served as an academic support for struggling students.
A four-year standout at cornerback, Hollins set a John Carroll football program record for most career games played with 48. He was named an All-American during the 2016 season when he helped the Blue Streaks capture the program's first Ohio Athletic Conference crown since 1994 and advance to the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship for just the second time in program history.
A two-time graduate of John Carroll University, Hollins earned a Bachelor of Arts in exercise science in May 2017 and added a Master of Arts in sports leadership in May 2024. He authored his first book, "Dreams to Purpose", in 2022.
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