Richard Christy

Dick Christy serves as deputy chief of staff and special assistant to the chancellor at UNC Pembroke, where he supports strategic initiatives, institutional planning and special projects while serving as a key advisor to Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings.

A veteran higher education administrator with more than 30 years of experience, Christy joined UNC Pembroke in 2013 as the university's 10th director of athletics. During his tenure, he provided leadership for 16 NCAA Division II athletics programs and more than 400 student-athletes, helping guide a period of significant growth and success for Braves Athletics.

Under Christy's leadership, UNC Pembroke student-athletes and teams achieved sustained success in competition and in the classroom, earning numerous conference championships, NCAA postseason appearances and national recognition. He also oversaw major facilities improvements, strategic planning initiatives and enhancements to the student-athlete experience while strengthening relationships with alumni, donors and community partners.

Prior to joining UNC Pembroke, Christy spent 13 years at North Carolina State University, including eight years as associate athletics director for external relations. In that role, he led marketing, promotions, sponsorships, community engagement and revenue-generating initiatives while also serving as sport administrator for several varsity programs.

Throughout his career, Christy has served on numerous NCAA and conference committees and has extensive experience in leadership development, strategic planning, fundraising, budget management and organizational administration. He recently completed a four-year term on the NCAA Division II Football Selection Committee.

An NCAA Division II student-athlete himself, Christy was a four-year letterman and team captain on the men's golf team at Wingate University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sport management. He later earned a master's degree in parks, recreation and tourism management from NC State University.

Christy is also a graduate of The Sports Management Institute's Executive Program, a joint venture between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Southern California.

A native of Chichester, Pennsylvania, Christy and his wife, Windy, reside in Pembroke.