EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.  —SIUE Athletics proudly recognizes Dr. Venessa Brown, a generous and loyal supporter of the Cougars Champions Fund (CCF). As a long-time faculty member and passionate advocate for student-athletes, Dr. Brown has made a lasting impact on not only SIUE Athletics, but higher education at large. 

A current resident of St. Louis, MO Brown originally joined the University in 1995 as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work. She became a full professor in 2006 and served as associate provost in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs as well as executive director of the SIUE East Saint Louis Center (ESLC).  

In 2021, she joined the SIUE Athletics staff as Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Athletics Chief Diversity Officer. Her passion for serving student-athletes led to the formation of Dr. Venessa Brown's "In It To Win It" Leadership Development Initiative as well as her being recognized by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine as one of 25 women who have a made a difference in higher education. 

Hear from Dr. Brown: 

Q: How long have you been a supporter of SIUE Athletics and what keeps you coming back each year?? 

"About 18 years. I believe in the department and the leadership." 

Q: What makes SIUE Athletics special to you? 

"I consider them family!" 

Q: What excites you most about the future of the department? 

 "Growth and having an "in it to Win it" AD who has a heart for progress, purpose and gratitude for every contribution no matter how small or large. This is a great season to get involved with SIUE Athletics." 

Q: Why do you place SIUE Athletics into your annual donation plan? 

"I believe in SIUE Athletics and the leadership and have witnessed the growth of the department and more importantly, their gratitude for every student-athlete and every single fan." 

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about making their first gift to the Cougars Champions Fund? 

"Get involved in something special. Great things are happening for student-athletes, and you won't regret being on this team. Also, the students are so grateful, and we are growing up in the D1 space. Come be "in it to Win it" with us.   

Join Dr. Venessa Brown along with many others in shaping the future of SIUE Athletics by considering a gift to the Cougars Champions Fund today. Your gift—no matter the size—makes an immediate and long-lasting impact. 

For more information contact Noah Manns (nomanns@siue.edu)