Katy’s Spotlight on Women - Djenane Paul
By Katy Young Staudt, Vice President at TurnkeyZRG
This month, I am spotlighting Djenane Paul, Deputy AD at Auburn. When I first met Djenane, I knew she was special. Her passion and commitment to the student-athlete experience shine through every time we have the chance to catch up.
Djenane is an elite and impactful leader in this everchanging landscape of college athletics and I’m proud to call her a friend and colleague. WAR EAGLE!
Name & Title
Djenane Paul, Deputy Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator
What do you love most about your current job?
What I love most about my job at Auburn is the ability to make meaningful connections and therefore a meaningful impact on the lives of Auburn student-athletes and Auburn students. My current role more than any other role previously has uniquely positioned me to interact not only with the student-athletes that I am called to serve each day, but with students as well. Whether it is one-on-one meetings, serving as a guest speaker for a class on campus, a keynote speaker for a student organization, or being inducted as an honorary member into one of the most prestigious female organizations on campus. In less than two years at Auburn, I have lived out my purpose of working in college athletics and specifically higher education more than ever before.
What advice would you give to a young person looking work in college athletics?
The best piece of advice I could give an aspiring young person wanting to work in college athletics is to commit yourself to always being a student of your craft. Continue to find ways to stretch yourself and grow not only as you look to start your career in this industry but also as you navigate your career trajectory. One of the greatest things about college athletics is – things are constantly changing!
Who has had the biggest impact/influence on your career? (and why)?
The biggest influence on my career has been Dave Roach, the former Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Fordham. He hired me in my first full-time role in college athletics and two years later hired me again to serve as a member of his senior staff. Dave taught me early in my career that “no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” I credit a lot of who I am as an administrator to what he taught me and how much he poured into me. Dave allowed me to stretch myself, and to grow and learn each day in ways that were not limited by my job description or role in the department. He has supported me both personally and professionally for over 10 years. Dave is an incredible mentor and friend – I am thankful for him!
What is the best/most memorable sporting event you’ve attended?
My first football game in Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn is my most memorable sporting event I’ve attended. In the weeks leading up to the game, I heard from so many people that you have not experienced college football until you experience an SEC game and that you have not experienced it until you experience a game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Between our incredible fan base, the band marching on to the field and the eagle taking flight, it is a magical feeling. To be able to experience it all from the sideline, I will never forget the feeling! Auburn is truly such a special place!!
Favorite Quote?
“Leave everywhere you go better than the day you arrived.”
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream – it’s always in my freezer!
Your “Go To” restaurant in Auburn?
Lucy’s. They have an amazing brunch.
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