Penn State announced Wednesday its hiring of Brandi Stuart as a deputy athletics director for administration and external operations. Stuart’s hiring comes as part of an effort by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft to reorganize Penn State’s upper-level administration following his arrival at Penn State.

Penn State announces addition of Brandi Stuart to executive staff.

: https://t.co/XaQf9rUwdY#WeAre #PennState pic.twitter.com/XHGxDvzLkj

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) February 8, 2023

Stuart, who will begin her position on March 13, will presumably replace Scott Sidwell, the former external deputy athletic director, and Lynn Holleran, the deputy athletic director for administration. While Penn State never announced the exit of Sidwell and Holleran, the pair and three other employees were no longer in the university’s directory or listed on the university’s website last week.

“As with any departmental transition, we have spent the last several months reviewing the department’s overall operation, including budget optimization and reorganization of the department’s structure,” Kraft said in a release. “With our student-driven approach, we found a few areas where we can strengthen our operation, some which we immediately address like the mental health and wellness, to benefit our programs and student-athletes in the long run.”

According to the release, Stuart will “oversee compliance, student-athlete development and enrichment, athletics integrity, strategic communications, creative content and branding, marketing, and video production.” Additionally, Stuart will be responsible for communication between the Morgan Academic Center, the faculty senate, and Big Ten Network. The role is largely a combination of Sidwell and Holleran’s former duties following their departure.

Stuart joins Kraft’s staff after two years at Texas Tech, serving as the executive senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator. Stuart was responsible for managing the department’s supervisor program and its efforts with Title IX and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Before Texas Tech, Stuart spent five years at the University of Central Florida in various positions, where she managed a number of responsibilities including student-athlete welfare and development, academic services, and counseling services.

Stuart also spent time with the California Interscholastic Federation, Florida State, Alabama, and the ACC.

Stuart received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a Master’s degree in sports administration from Florida State. Stuart also played on the university’s softball team, where she still stands as a leader in many offensive and fielding categories.

“It is truly an honor and a privilege to be joining Pat Kraft and the Nittany Lion family,” Stuart said. “The commitment to comprehensive excellence is evident throughout the department and I’m looking forward to getting to know the student-athletes, coaches, and administrators I will have the pleasure to serve in my new role!”