CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Melissa Barrett joins the Queens University of Charlotte Department of Athletics as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced today. Having 15 years of administrative experience that spans across both the NCAA Division II and III levels, Barrett comes to the Royals from Salem College where she was the director of athletics and chair of the department of exercise science and wellness for six years.
 
"Melissa's experience and leadership align perfectly with our growth as a department and our daily goal of excellence," said Swarthout. "She has established herself as a high-level professional who has succeeded at every level. We look forward to her joining our Royals family and elevating us to new heights."
 
After taking the helm at Salem in February of 2011, Barrett was part of six Salem NCAA Tournament appearances, six Great South Athletic Conference championships, eight regular season titles and three Conference Presidents' Cup for overall athletic excellence. The Spirits performed well in the classroom during Barrett's tenure as well, as the department saw student-athletes named to the Great South All-Academic Team 137 times. Salem also earned numerous Scholar All-Region awards and team academic honors.
 
In addition, Barrett played a role in helping the university fundraise over $1 million in capital initiatives that went towards building the 12-court Bert Lain Tennis Center and making improvements to the Spirits Gymnasium and the Blixt Softball Stadium.
 
"I am honored and excited to join Queens Athletics," Barrett stated. "I am thrilled to be a part of the long-standing tradition of excellence which is found in Royals athletics. Queens continues to focus on student success in the classroom and in competition, which is a commitment I share as well. I would like to thank Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout and the Queens administration for the opportunity to be part of such an outstanding institution and athletic family."
 
Prior to her appointment at Salem Barrett served as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Belmont Abbey College providing leadership and strategic planning for the college's 21 NCAA DII sports for three years. She also managed the department's business operations overseeing a $3.5 million budget.
 
Before joining The Abbey, Barrett spent six years with Conference Carolinas working in media relations for two years and serving as the Assistant Commissioner for Internal Operations for four years. While with the conference office Barrett initiated and monitored a comprehensive compliance program for 12 member institutions.
 
A student-athlete herself, Barrett competed at both Gardner-Webb University and Belmont Abbey as a catcher earning all-conference and academic all-conference honors four times. She was also The Abbey's first ever all-region recipient and ranked nationally in walks per game. Barrett earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with honors at Belmont Abbey and is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
Barrett also attended the University of North Carolina-Greensboro where she earned her MBA.