UMBC AD Tiffany Tucker: How skills learned in NCAA leadership development programs pay off

Tiffany Tucker understands the assignment and appreciates her responsibility as the first Black woman to serve as the director of athletics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. It’s special and monumental for Tucker, who has navigated an intentional path of leadership, personal development and strategic thinking, shattering barriers along the way. She is UMBC’s sixth athletics director since its founding in 1966. 

NCAA leadership development programs have had a transformative impact on Tucker’s career, laying a foundation for excellence. By participating in the Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute and the Pathways Program, she learned the importance of emotional intelligence, active listening and empathetic leadership. 

“I’m so fortunate to serve alongside a president who is also the first woman president, and she’s also Black, but she’s not the first Black, but she’s the first woman to lead this institution,” Tucker said. “I have had some of the most amazing folks in my circle cheer me on, and they build that confidence in me. Knowing that regardless of what my skin color looks like and regardless of my gender, Tiffany can do the job. Tiffany can be successful.” 

‘Take pieces of what you learn’ 

A former women’s basketball student-athlete at North Carolina, Tucker has shined during her career, which has included stints at Hampton, South Carolina State and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In 2021, she was recognized by Sports Illustrated in “Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.” A year later, she was named Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year by Women Leaders in Sports, further solidifying her place in the industry.  

One of her career challenges was leading during a hurricane while working at UNCW. With skills learned from the Leadership Institute and a nurturing circle of friends, Tucker confidently navigated the moment, reassuring her team, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity. 

“Managing natural disasters and having to lead through a hurricane that devastated thousands of lives, you take pieces of what you learn and apply as needed to the situation,” Tucker said. “Another thing is strategic decision-making and how you manage and navigate yourself in high-pressure situations. … Working in athletics, all situations are not low-stress. We understand that there will be opportunities for growth in managing different personalities and navigating the change in landscape within our industry. Another is building consensus. You know, how do you develop and motivate folks that are in high-pressure situations every day?” 

‘Not something I take lightly’ 

Tucker’s journey embodies poise, resilience and excellence, setting a powerful precedent for future leaders in collegiate athletics. With a collaborative spirit, Tucker fosters an environment where meaningful connections, mentorship and a culture of shared success empower individuals and drive collective achievement. 

“Those programs helped build the way you think about building a team,” Tucker said. “You go through these programs, and you build friendships and these relationships with folks, and you don’t want to let them down, but most importantly, you don’t want to let yourself down because there is a heaviness to knowing that when you walk in rooms that you still might be the only one. … So there is a responsibility, but there is also a heaviness, and knowing that when I speak, I represent Blacks and women. It’s not something I take lightly.”