Tulane’s Woodson Named to Silver Waves Media’s Top 100 Rising/Future Athletic Directors List
May 26, 2026 | General
NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University proudly announces that Jana Woodson, its Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations, has been recognized as one of Silver Waves Media's Top 100 Rising Athletic Directors/Future ADs, a prestigious list celebrating the next generation of influential leaders shaping youth sports across the United States.
The list highlights individuals who exemplify vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes and their families. These emerging leaders are making a lasting impact within their communities and beyond, setting new standards for the future of athletics. Whether at established institutions or emerging programs, these individuals are shaping the next era of youth sports and collegiate athletics.
Woodson, who is in her 10th year with the Green Wave, joined Tulane after previous athletic department posts at Rice, Richmond, and UMKC. She is a 2001 graduate of the University of Kansas and earned her MBA from UMKC in 2003.
At Tulane, Woodson oversees all external units, including development, marketing, ticket services, strategic communications, creative services, broadcasting, and the Learfield IMG partnership. She also serves as the sport administrator for bowling, beach volleyball, and men's and women's tennis.
Earlier this month, Woodson was also honored with the Marlon Dechausay Unity Award from the American Conference, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment within collegiate athletics.
The Marlon Dechausay Unity Award is named in honor of the late Marlon Dechausay, the senior associate athletic director for student-athlete welfare at Memphis, who tragically passed away in December 2024. The award is presented annually to one current student-athlete and one institutional staff member who embody Marlon's passion, integrity, and leadership. Nominees are evaluated based on their efforts to create opportunities, uplift others, and champion growth and success for both student-athletes and staff.
"Jana's recognition as one of Silver Waves Media's Top 100 Rising Athletic Directors is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision for the future of collegiate athletics," said Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris. "In addition, her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment embodies the very qualities we value at Tulane, which makes her the ideal recipient of the Marlon Dechausay Unity Award."
"We are incredibly proud of her achievements and excited to see the continued positive impact she makes for the Green Wave."
A native of Coffeyville, Kansas, Woodson has also served as chair of the NCAA's bowling committee and is currently a member of the organization's men's and women's tennis championships subcommittee.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
The list highlights individuals who exemplify vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for athletes and their families. These emerging leaders are making a lasting impact within their communities and beyond, setting new standards for the future of athletics. Whether at established institutions or emerging programs, these individuals are shaping the next era of youth sports and collegiate athletics.
Woodson, who is in her 10th year with the Green Wave, joined Tulane after previous athletic department posts at Rice, Richmond, and UMKC. She is a 2001 graduate of the University of Kansas and earned her MBA from UMKC in 2003.
At Tulane, Woodson oversees all external units, including development, marketing, ticket services, strategic communications, creative services, broadcasting, and the Learfield IMG partnership. She also serves as the sport administrator for bowling, beach volleyball, and men's and women's tennis.
Earlier this month, Woodson was also honored with the Marlon Dechausay Unity Award from the American Conference, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment within collegiate athletics.
The Marlon Dechausay Unity Award is named in honor of the late Marlon Dechausay, the senior associate athletic director for student-athlete welfare at Memphis, who tragically passed away in December 2024. The award is presented annually to one current student-athlete and one institutional staff member who embody Marlon's passion, integrity, and leadership. Nominees are evaluated based on their efforts to create opportunities, uplift others, and champion growth and success for both student-athletes and staff.
"Jana's recognition as one of Silver Waves Media's Top 100 Rising Athletic Directors is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision for the future of collegiate athletics," said Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris. "In addition, her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment embodies the very qualities we value at Tulane, which makes her the ideal recipient of the Marlon Dechausay Unity Award."
"We are incredibly proud of her achievements and excited to see the continued positive impact she makes for the Green Wave."
A native of Coffeyville, Kansas, Woodson has also served as chair of the NCAA's bowling committee and is currently a member of the organization's men's and women's tennis championships subcommittee.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
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