FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University Athletics has announced a restructuring of its administrative leadership team, recognizing the continued growth of the department and expanding the leadership responsibilities of several key members of the Sharks' staff.
As part of the restructuring, Danielle Daniel has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director, while Yashiva Edwards, Steve Orris, Ed.D., Dustin Gatens and Robert Baroniel '15 have been promoted to Associate Athletic Directors overseeing their respective areas.
The expanded leadership structure recognizes the experience, expertise and impact each individual brings to NSU Athletics while positioning the department to continue supporting its coaches, student-athletes and programs at a championship level.
"These promotions recognize the tremendous work these individuals have done and the leadership they provide every day across NSU Athletics," said Interim Director of Athletics Ryan Romero. "As our department continues to grow, it is important that our administrative structure grows with it. Under President Moon's leadership and vision for Nova Southeastern University, we want to make sure Athletics is positioned to support our coaches and student-athletes at the highest level and continue building on the momentum of our programs."
Danielle Daniel – Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sport Administration/Internal Operations/Business Services
Daniel has been a key member of NSU Athletics since 2019 and brings extensive experience in intercollegiate athletics administration. Prior to joining NSU, she served at Florida Atlantic University in roles spanning business operations, compliance, human resources and sport administration. At NSU, she has provided leadership across sport administration, internal operations and business services.
In her expanded role as Senior Associate Athletic Director, Daniel will continue to provide leadership across the department's internal operations while serving as a senior member of the Athletics administrative team.
Yashiva Edwards – Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and NCAA Rules Education / Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee
Edwards joined NSU Athletics in 2019 and has provided leadership in compliance and NCAA rules education, while also serving as the department's Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee. Her career includes experience at the NCAA national office, Florida
State University and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A former Florida State student-athlete and six-time All-American in track and field, Edwards brings extensive experience in athletics administration and student-athlete development.
Steve Orris, Ed.D. – Associate Athletic Director for Sports Performance and Student-Athlete Wellness
Orris has played an integral role in student-athlete performance and wellness, overseeing strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, drug and alcohol education, mental health awareness and other wellness initiatives. A Master Strength and Conditioning Coach, Orris has helped develop programs supporting championship-level performance while also contributing to NSU's academic community as an adjunct professor.
Dustin Gatens – Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine
Gatens provides leadership for NSU's Sports Medicine program, overseeing the department's athletic trainers and healthcare services for Sharks student-athletes. A longtime member of the NSU Athletics family, Gatens previously served the department from 2006-17 before returning in 2021. His work has included advancing sports medicine research and student-athlete wellness initiatives.
Robert Baroniel '15 – Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs
A former NSU baseball student-athlete and graduate, Baroniel has built his career across athletics communications, development, marketing and external relations. Since returning to NSU Athletics in 2021, he has helped lead the department's external efforts in communications, development and revenue generation. Baroniel previously served as National Chair of the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and brings both professional and personal experience to his leadership role with the Sharks.
The restructuring reflects the continued evolution of NSU Athletics and establishes an expanded administrative leadership structure designed to strengthen collaboration, strategic planning and support for Sharks student-athletes, coaches and programs.
