UT Dallas Names Angela Marin Interim Director of Athletics

Angela Marin has been appointed interim director of athletics for The University of Texas at Dallas, becoming one of the few Hispanic women to lead an NCAA Division III school’s athletic department.

Marin, previously an associate athletic director, succeeds Bill Petitt, who led the program for seven years and is returning to his earlier role as associate athletic director for external affairs.

“I am honored, but it’s also a gut check to see how underrepresented the Hispanic population is, especially Hispanic women, in the space of college athletics,” said Marin, who remains director of compliance and senior woman administrator. “Representation is important.”

Dr. Gene Fitch Jr., vice president for student affairs, said Marin is the right choice not only for her familiarity with Comets athletics, but also for the leadership she has shown at UT Dallas and with the NCAA.

“She’s proved that she is highly capable of serving in this capacity and has developed significant relationships with our staff and coaches during her time at UT Dallas,” he said. “She subscribes to the Division III philosophy and has always made the well-being of our student-athletes her priority. I look forward to having Angela join the student affairs leadership team.”

Marin joined the athletics staff in 2012 and was promoted to associate athletic director in 2017, the same year she received the Emerging Athletic Administrator Award from the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators. She has represented UT Dallas on the NCAA’s Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, the NCAA Regional Rules subcommittee and the NCAA Division III Management Council. She has also served on UT Dallas Staff Council and several University committees.

“It’s important to have a seat at the table, but more importantly, an educated seat,” she said. “I am a product of NCAA leadership development programming, which has poured resources and education into people of color so that when our time comes, we are as prepared as possible.”

“Becoming an athletic director has been my goal and dream since I entered college athletics as a student worker almost 15 years ago. This opportunity is a dream come true. I’m extremely grateful to represent this department, but most importantly, I’m honored to represent UT Dallas.”

Angela Marin, interim director of athletics at UT Dallas

Marin said she has been committed to bringing others with her as she has risen through the ranks.

“I want all of our student-athletes and our staff — and all Comets — to know that, if you identify as ‘other’ in any way at all, I see you; I hear you; I am you,” she said. “That’s what athletics and UT Dallas as a community is about. I want every Comet to feel that, to know that and to always know UT Dallas will be their home long after they graduate.”

Marin said she is grateful to Petitt and Fitch for “the autonomy they provided to grow and learn in this field, and for championing my vision and growth.

“UT Dallas has experienced tremendous growth since I first walked on this campus in 2012, and it is exciting to see the opportunities and resources we are able to provide to our students. I’m proud to be a member of this community and to work with colleagues who truly value the diversity, equity and inclusion space, who understand the importance of teamwork and community, and who work hard every day to provide the very best experience for our students.”

A native of The Colony, Texas, Marin previously served as associate athletic director at the University of New Orleans. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Texas A&M University in 2006.

“Becoming an athletic director has been my goal and dream since I entered college athletics as a student worker almost 15 years ago. This opportunity is a dream come true,” she said. “I’m extremely grateful to represent this department, but most importantly, I’m honored to represent UT Dallas.”

“She’s proved that she is highly capable of serving in this capacity and has developed significant relationships with our staff and coaches during her time at UT Dallas. She subscribes to the Division III philosophy and has always made the well-being of our student-athletes her priority. I look forward to having Angela join the student affairs leadership team.”

Dr. Gene Fitch Jr., vice president for student affairs at UT Dallas

Petitt, who arrived at UT Dallas in 2008 and became athletic director in 2014, oversaw an era in which the Comets collected 22 American Southwest Conference championships, made 32 NCAA tournament appearances and won two esports national championships. UT Dallas added men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field as varsity sports during this time.

“I believe this is the right time to make this move, as our department is experiencing tremendous success and is on the path for continued growth,” Petitt said. “I am leaving the department in the very capable hands of Angela Marin, who will be a great representative to champion the causes of diversity and equity as well as the overall student-athlete experience.”

Fitch said Petitt positioned UT Dallas to become a major player in Division III.

“His vision and leadership have created opportunities for our student-athletes that did not exist previously,” he said. “I am grateful for his contributions and am excited that he will remain a part of the program and oversee external affairs for the department.”