Ivana Rich has been tapped by Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Florida to serve as its new executive vice president and athletic director. 

Rich is the first woman to hold the title of athletic director in the HBCU’s 156-year history. She succeeds Paul Bryant, who worked in the position for three years before leaving in August. 

Before joining Edwards Waters, Rich spent seven years at Norfolk State University working in various capacities such as acting director of athletics, associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator.

Rich played Division I college volleyball at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2006-09. She coached volleyball at Virginia State from 2011 to 2013. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2013 named her coach of the year.