“I watched my single mother raise three girls and never make excuses for anything. I don’t know of anyone who has a better work ethic than my mother, or who’s more compassionate or driven than my mother. I’m not sure I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for watching her as a mother and as a professional.” -Darrice Griffin
Watching her mother persevere made Darrice Griffin the leader she is today. She was named Deputy Director of Administration at the University of Georgia in 2017, and now spends her energy helping others achieve their goals.
“I try to be a serving leader,” she explains. “I want people that I work with to understand that there is no job too small. I’m here to help them and to reinforce a culture that gives them the space to thrive. It really comes down to serving the people that you work with.”
Her dedication to service means that Griffin always wears many hats in her administrative role. She came to Georgia with over eight years of experience in college athletics. She has worked with organizations regarding football, soccer, softball and basketball.
“Getting people to believe that they are capable and able to do great things together, that is success, getting people to mobilize and believe in something bigger than the group, then work together to achieve those goals.”
Griffin started her career in athletics as a student-athlete in Texas, playing basketball at Texas Tech. From there, she took opportunities that let her contribute to other student-athletes. She was promoted to Deputy Director of Athletics in June 2015 at the University of Massachusetts after two years as Senior Associate Director of Athletics for internal operations. Her experiences have left a lasting mark on her leadership style.
“Gratitude is a main driving force in my life,” says Griffin. “I’m so thankful for every experience that I’ve had, whether it’s my student-athlete experience at Texas Tech or my experience at Columbia University, the University of Massachusetts or now at Georgia. I’m so thankful that people believed in me enough to give me a chance to represent world-class institutions.”
Being thankful to the people around her helps Griffin inspire others to be their best and keep the bigger picture in mind, but also while remembering to BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED.
“Gratitude drives me to do the right things for the right reasons and to perform at a high level for the students and staff that I serve.”
For her dedication and service, we are happy to have Darrice Griffin as a NEXT UP honoree.