CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Queens University of Charlotte's Director of Sports Medicine Brandon Johnson has been promoted to assistant athletic director for sports medicine and performance, Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout announced. Johnson will be entering his third season with the Royals this coming fall.

"Brandon made an immediate impact on this department upon his arrival two years ago," said Swarthout. "He has built a high-quality staff that creates a student-athlete experience that is first class. Not only is he an outstanding sports medicine professional, he is a high-level leader who is passionate about excellence."

Johnson hit the ground running when he arrived at Queens immediately making his mark on the campus among staff and student-athletes. His team has consistently received positive feedback on their effective care and management of injuries. Johnson has also expanded the amount of equipment to serve a larger quantity of student-athletes with efficiency and made purchases to improve training. Additionally, he was able to establish a medical referral procedure for mental health patients proving that his staff is evolving with the changes in needs of services at Queens. Following his first year with the Royals, Johnson was a SARA Award recipient.

"It's an exciting time in Queens Athletics, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to work as an assistant athletic director for sports medicine and performance as we elevate our brand in the pursuit of excellence."

In addition to Johnson's promotion, Mark Lepkowski's title has changed to director of sports performance.

"Naming Mark Lepkowski as director of sports performance properly identifies his approach and vision to grow the department, and develop new avenues for advancement as it relates to high performance," Johnson stated. 

Lepkowski joined the department a few years ago as well helping elevate the level of competition for the student-athletes at Queens. His training programs have greatly improved the strength and endurance of the Royals allowing them to compete at the highest level day in and day out.

"Mark's leadership continues to push Queens to new heights," Swarthout added. "He is a tireless professional that empowers our student-athletes to be their best with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Sports performance continues to be a key differentiator in our ability to be successful as a department on the national level."

Lepkowski closed stating, "In the future, sports performance and sports medicine will collaborate to further enhance student-athlete development and reduce injury through new equipment, research, and data collection."