In the spring of 2022, long-time athletics administrator Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes became the first full-time hire in the 40-year history of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC), which includes HBCU institutions that compete in the NAIA. Barnes previously served the GCAC on a part-time basis while working as Dillard University’s athletic director. Long known for mentoring young women of color aspiring to careers in college sports, Barnes also consults with college athletic programs on strategic planning, leadership training and team building. She wants to be the resource she wishes she had as a young athletic director.
