University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Colin Smith, Leigh Barton Named to D1-AAA/FCS ADA Fellows Program
11.22.2024 | General, Athletics News
CLEVELAND, Ohio - UNC Asheville Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations/Equity Colin Smith and Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Leigh Barton have recently been named to the Division I AAA/Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Athletic Directors Association (ADA) Fellows Program.
"It is a huge honor to have not one but two fellows in this year's program," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "Colin and Leigh work very hard in their areas to implement our strategic plan of Dreaming Bigger and Achieving More."
The program pairs fellows with a sitting athletic director as a mentor for 10 months to discuss leadership strategies, sport oversight and various other areas relevant to athletic administration.
Smith has served as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and Equity since 2020. In addition to his role with internal operations and sport supervision over the men's and women's soccer programs as well as men's and women's track and field, Smith spearheaded the Bulldogs athletic department to earn the Big South Conference's inaugural Champion of Unity distinction in 2024. Smith will be paired with Marvin Lewis of George Mason University.
From Colin Smith: "I am truly honored to be accepted into the D1-AAA/FCS ADA Fellows Program for aspiring Athletic Directors, marking a significant step toward achieving my career goals in collegiate athletics. This incredible opportunity to be mentored by Marvin Lewis of George Mason is not only an invaluable learning experience but also a testament to the dedication and growth within our industry. I am especially grateful to Janet Cone for her unwavering support and guidance in my professional development. Her leadership and vision have deeply shaped my understanding of the complex dynamics of collegiate sports, and her mentorship has been instrumental in my athletic journey. I am excited to continue strengthening my commitment to creating opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff while advancing the future of athletics at every level."
Barton came to Asheville in July as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations overseeing marketing and communications, ticketing and development and also serving as the sport supervisor for the baseball program. Barton will be paired with Shaney Fink at the University of Seattle.
From Leigh Barton: "I am grateful to the athletic directors and other industry leaders that commit their valuable time as mentors and speakers for the 1AAA/FCS ADA Fellows Program. It's a privilege to serve in an industry that has impacted my life so profoundly and have the chance to pay it forward. To work under such a reputable Athletics Director, Janet Cone daily at UNC Asheville, and get to learn from another accomplished AD, Shaney Fink as my mentor in the Fellows Program is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to growing professionally and building off the experiences of these veteran leaders."
