Dr. Sydnee Collins joined the American University staff as the Assistant Athletic Director for Mental Well-Being and Performance in April of 2025. In her role, Dr. Collins will partner with AU’s Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services to deliver comprehensive support for the academic, social, emotional, and athletic development of student-athletes.Â
Her work will include assessment, short-term counseling, group programming, crisis support, outreach, and consultation. With her specialized background in sport psychology, Dr. Collins will also help Eagles strengthen their mental skills, focus, and resilience in athletic competition and beyond.
Dr. Collins brings a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics and counseling, having most recently served as the Director of the University Counseling Center at Tennessee State University. Prior to her role at TSU, she held positions as a Sport Performance Consultant at Vanderbilt University and a Sport Psychologist at NC State University, working directly with Division I student-athletes across multiple sports.
Dr. Collins earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University, where her dissertation focused on athlete activism and the racial climate in sports. She holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Morgan State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Dr. Collins’ hire reflects AU Athletics' ongoing commitment to enhancing student-athlete support services and creating an environment where all student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and personally.
