Dedra Palmer is a part of the executive leadership team as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Capital Projects, as well as the Interim Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). Palmer comes to SJSU with a wealth of experience following three years at Niagara University where she was a member of the senior leadership team with direct responsibility for the department of compliance, human resources, facilities and operations. She had direct oversight of several athletic programs and employees, as well as summer camps.
- Palmer joined Niagara after four years working at the MAAC where she served as Director of Championships starting in August 2015, before being promoted to Assistant Commissioner for Championships in December 2017
- At the MAAC, Palmer helped collaborate on initiatives and operations in order to promote a positive experience for the MAAC's 11 member institutions, oversaw in-season and postseason operations for 22 of the MAAC's 24 sponsored sports in accordance with NCAA and MAAC policies and procedures
- Palmer also developed and managed the budget for the championship department, planned and conducted conference championships, special events and administrative meetings and conducted the annual review of MAAC Constitution Bylaws, and Administrative Agreements in areas pertaining to in-season sport regulations, championships and officiating
- Palmer began her career in athletic facilities, game operations and championships assistant at Duke University from July 2014-July 2015. She served as the primary gameday operations manager for women's volleyball, men's and women's swimming and diving men's and women's tennis. She also served as the secondary gameday operations manager for football and men's and women's basketball and was the department supervisor for 14 student workers
What they are saying about Palmer ...
Simon Gray, Director of Athletics, Niagara
"Dedra's dedication to the student-athletes of Niagara University made our department a better place. She is skilled in building a rapport with the internal and external communities and embodies the qualities of a mission-driven leader."
Bob Weiseman, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Duke
"Dedra is a true professional who is committed to excellence through organization, communication, development and execution. Her wealth of expertise in all areas of college athletics gives her knowledge that will allow her to successfully lead San José State in the future both operationally and in management of their facilities and projects. San José State has gotten a first-class human who operates with integrity and passion."
Rich Ensor, MAAC Commissioner
"Dedra Palmer was a valuable member of the MAAC as both a member of the conference staff and later as the SWA at Niagara University. She served as championship director for multiple sports including baseball at NY Yankees Staten Island facility. As SWA she served on the MAAC Committee on Athletic Administration and was chair of the MAAC Softball Committee. She has worked on NCAA host committees, most recently the 2022 NCAA MBB 1st & 2nd Rounds Championships at the KEY Bank Arena in Buffalo, NY. She will a valuable addition to the San Jose State University staff bringing extensive operational and financial management experience to her new role."
Jada Pierce, Head Women's Basketball Coach at Niagara
"San Jose State University Athletics community just got better! Dedra is one the hardest working administrators I've ever been around in 24 years. Her tireless work ethic is second to none. Dedra has a student-athlete first mentality while also displaying genuine care for the coaches and fellow administrators. We will miss her on the The Ridge because of the impact she made here at Niagara, but we know she will continue to do great things out West!"