NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt cross country and track and field alumna and current UMass Boston Vice Chancellor of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Jacqueline Schuman was named a recipient of the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Executive of the Year Award, the organization announced Thursday.
The first permanent female athletic director in UMass Boston history, Schuman was recognized for her contributions to the advancement of women in sports leadership.
Under her direction, UMass Boston created “Advancing the Legacy of Excellence,” the athletic department’s strategic plan built in alignment with the university’s For The Times strategic plan and priorities. Additionally, Schuman’s efforts helped to establish the Mac Singleton Fund, an endowment to support the advancement of women’s athletics, and add two women’s sports—lacrosse and field hockey—in addition to other department-wide accomplishments.
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jacqueline Schuman on being named a 2025 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Executive of the Year Award Winner!
Read all about the amazing accomplishment by clicking the link below!https://t.co/JRWzzsXp0t#GoBeacons@_WomenLeaders @LittleEastConf
— UMassBostonAthletics (@UMassBeacons) July 17, 2025
While a cross country and track and field student-athlete, Schuman earned her bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development from Vanderbilt in 1999. After earning her master’s in exercise and sport sciences from the University of North Carolina, she received her doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt in 2021.
Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee, a student-athlete at the same time as Schuman, was named the 2024 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Division I FBS Executive of the Year.