From student-athlete to senior leader

How does someone balance being a student-athlete? How about a student-employee? Leigh Ann Savidge-Morris ’04, MBA ’05, has studied, played and now works at Binghamton University. Savidge-Morris has learned valuable lessons about time management during her time in athletics over the past quarter-century.

As a former Division 1 student-athlete, what first encouraged you to play for and study at Binghamton?

Binghamton University was a great combination of athletic opportunity, academic rigor and financial sense. I wanted to attend a university that would allow me to earn a strong degree, even though I did not have a career path in mind. As a local student, the in-state tuition rate allowed me to find a path to a great education while saving money. I also knew I wanted to be a “student first,” and after talking to the softball coach, Holly Brown, this fit well within her philosophy.

What are some of your favorite memories and experiences as a student at Binghamton?

As I listen to speeches made by graduating students each year, nothing resonates with me more than when they say it is the moments that create the memories. It is often silly things, like being on a charter bus that is 12 feet 6 inches trying to fit under a 12-foot bridge, timing a visit to the (former) Dickinson dining hall salad bar between the rushes so you didn’t have to stand in line, or leaving the dugout to help Karen Prievo ’04 warm up for pitching. I was lucky enough to have several classes — including Management 411 with Robert Kline — with other student-athletes, including volleyball players Nicole Savin ’04 and Allison Beard ’04 and wrestler Justin Hoch ’04, which made the semester memorable.

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA with the School of Management?

I was a student-employee within athletics when my supervisor, Mollie Lehman, left in December of my senior year. I was debating between graduate school and going into full-time employment and was given the opportunity to take over some of her workload. After being accepted into the one-year MBA program, my new supervisor said we could work out the schedule to attend graduate school full time and still apply to the opening. Although I like to joke that I had no social life, this was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t turn away.

What influenced you to pursue a career in Binghamton athletics after graduating?

I was given a significant amount of responsibility and increasing opportunities within athletics. I knew I wanted to stay as an employee for at least one year after obtaining my MBA to show continuity on my resumé. It just so happened that when I begin to actively look for new challenges to help grow my career, new opportunities were presented that allowed me to stay at Binghamton. Through the years, I’ve continued to have opportunities to be challenged and grow while working with some great people. When people in an organization are all working toward the same goals, it is motivating to surpass your own personal expectations and rise to new levels that you didn’t think were possible.

Were there any courses, coaches or professors that had a profound impact on you — either personally or professionally?

Interestingly enough, I took several classes with Shelley Dionne, currently the dean of the School of Management. As an undergraduate student, I had classes for Human Resources (yes, that is what it was called 20 years ago!), and then as a graduate student for Consulting and Leadership (the year it was renamed). She supported and understood what my goals were and often helped me work through some of the challenges. I had the opportunity to work with her more while she was the faculty athletic representative for athletics and to see her career grow.

As the current deputy director of athletics, could you describe your responsibilities and some of the projects you’ve been involved in?

I have had a lot of great experiences throughout my 20 years as a Binghamton University employee. Currently, as deputy director of athletics, I also hold the title of senior woman administrator. I oversee our student-athlete holistic programming and work directly with several teams as their sport supervisor. I represent Binghamton in our athletic conference, oversee game agreements and equity in athletics, and I have a voice in many areas of the administration of the division. The opportunity to be the liaison to several campus entities such as the Title IX staff, CARE team and the Office of Student Conduct is one of the best parts of my position.

Throughout my time at Binghamton, I have also held several different titles and performed different roles. I have been the tournament director for multiple conference championships and the liaison for projects such as the Events Center concourse enhancement, multiple turf field renovations and the renovation of the Vision Center for Student-Athlete Excellence.

Since joining the department in 2004, what have been some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed throughout your time at Binghamton?

The facilities are by far the most significant change for both the University and athletics. There was no Downtown Center, Johnson City campus or ITC. Campus looked very different. Within athletics, we were playing softball behind the East Gym, nothing was turf, and we still ran our miles on the inclined track in the basement of the West Gym! Another noticeable thing is the increase in support areas on campus for students and number of staff within them. There seem to be so many resources for today’s students — from tutoring to career preparation — and it is amazing how many people are on campus to help our students succeed.

How did your undergraduate/graduate experiences help you navigate your current position and set you up for success?

As a student, accountability meant taking responsibility for my learning, seeking help when needed, adhering to deadlines and striving to improve. As a professional, this is carried over as accountability to myself and to others. Owning up to mistakes, meeting project deadlines and working collaboratively is all a part of this role. As a student-athlete, I balanced everything in the academic world as a non-student-athlete would. There were also the demands of being an athlete that included practices, games and travel. I had the additional piece of living at home throughout my academic career, which meant I still had responsibilities with my family, including simple things such as raking leaves in the fall. These skills have served me well during my career.