From the Sidelines to the Front Office: FAMU Alumna Nyeja Skye Warner Builds a Career Supporting Athletes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University alumna Nyeja Skye Warner is carving out a path in the sports industry, building a career that supports student-athletes while creating opportunities for women interested in sports management and football operations.
Warner’s journey into athletics leadership began during her time at FAMU. She initially started in a major that did not feel like the right fit. After conversations with Bettye A. Grable, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at FAMU, Warner realized her strengths in storytelling and connecting with people could guide her toward a career in communications and sports.
“After failing chemistry, I started exploring other majors and what would work best for me,” Warner said. “Once I found public relations, I spoke with my professor, Dr. Grable, and she made me fall in love with journalism and the public relations industry. So, I stuck with it.”
Her first close look at athletics operations came while she served as a cheerleader at FAMU. Supporting the football team from the sidelines gave Warner a behind-the-scenes view of the preparation and coordination that takes place long before kickoff.
Florida A&M University alumna Nyeja Skye Warner captures a celebratory moment, reflecting
the pride and joy of her journey at FAMU. (Photo Courtesy: Nyeja Skye Warner)
The experience sparked her curiosity about the inner workings of athletics programs and introduced her to the people responsible for making them successful.
Through cheerleading, Warner developed strong communication and networking skills
while interacting with athletes, coaches, and staff members.
“I thought I was going to be a publicist for the Migos,” Warner said of the influential hip-hop trio from Lawrenceville, Georgia. “As a public relations scholar, I initially envisioned a career in the entertainment industry, but that shifted after I secured an internship with the National Football League Players Association.”
Florida A&M University alumna Nyeja Skye Warner celebrates a championship win during
her time as a FAMU cheerleader, an experience that helped shape her path into athletics
leadership. (Photo Courtesy: Nyeja Skye Warner)
During the internship, Warner worked closely with players and gained insight into
their lives beyond the game. The experience helped her see athletes from a different
perspective and inspired her to explore ways she could support them throughout their
careers.
Once Warner realized sports was the industry she wanted to pursue, she sought additional experience in FAMU’s athletics communications department under the guidance of Vaughn Wilson, former assistant athletic director for sports information.
Florida A&M University alumna Nyeja Skye Warner poses with Vaughn Wilson at the National
Football League Players Association. (Photo Courtesy: Nyeja Skye Warner)
Wilson said Warner quickly distinguished herself through her leadership and initiative.
“She told me that as soon as she finished cheer season, she wanted to intern full time,” Wilson said. “She was good on camera, but it was clear that she was a leader, and I made her part of my management team where she oversaw the other interns.”
Wilson added that Warner’s competitive spirit helped prepare her for the demands of sports operations.
“To be successful in sports management, you must be competitive,” Wilson said. “She showed that early on as a cheerleader.”
During her time with the athletics communications team, Warner gained hands-on experience producing events and supporting media coverage for athletic programs. Wilson said her ability to think strategically and manage multiple responsibilities set her apart.
After graduating from FAMU, Warner continued building her experience while earning her Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. While completing her graduate studies, she remained focused on expanding her role in football operations.
Working in a field traditionally dominated by men required confidence and resilience, Warner said.
“You’ve got to have thick skin,” Warner said. “You’ve got to play the next play. It’s not personal. People don’t want someone who is going to cry, complain, or whine. You have to stay focused on doing the job.”
At Clark Atlanta, Warner continued studying the game while supporting football operations and program development. Her work helped the team during one of its strongest seasons in recent history.
Florida A&M University alumna Nyeja Skye Warner engages in a football drill, reflecting
her transition into a career in athletics and sports operations. (Photo Courtesy:
Nyeja Skye Warner)
Tara Turner, Ph.D., who previously served as Warner’s supervisor during her executive internship with HBCU ELITE and later became her mentor, said Warner’s commitment to learning the game helped strengthen the program.
“Over time, she became a true student of the game, and that commitment has strengthened her confidence, sharpened her skill set and elevated the way she leads and operates,” Turner said.
Turner added that Warner’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and service.
“She leads by example, not by ego, and that kind of presence is contagious,” Turner said. “Her ability to serve, communicate and step into gaps builds trust across staff and athletes, which strengthens the overall culture and helps programs operate at a higher level.”
Warner also made history as the first woman to serve as director of football operations at Clark Atlanta University, marking an important milestone in her career.
Turner said Warner’s journey reflects determination and perseverance.
“Her path shows resilience, as growth in this industry often involves obstacles and moments that require perseverance,” Turner said.
Warner acknowledges that her career path has included challenges, but she believes staying committed to her passion has been key to her success.
Nyeja Skye Warner smiles following her graduation ceremony, a moment that set the foundation for her career in athletics and communications. (Photo Courtesy: Nyeja Skye Warner)
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you have to stay true to what you’re passionate about,” Warner said. “You can’t let your mistakes or the people trying to stop you from doing that deter you from your purpose.”
Today, Warner continues to build on her experience in her role at Georgia State University, where she works in player personnel and recruiting operations.
In this role, she helps coordinate recruiting events and ensures prospective student-athletes have the resources they need as they transition into collegiate athletics.
Despite the fast-paced nature of sports operations, Warner said the culture of athletics is one of the things she enjoys most about her career.
“One thing I love about sports is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional job,” Warner said. “It’s not stuffy or overly corporate. It feels like a family environment, but that level of respect is what keeps everything professional.”
As she continues to grow in the sports industry, Warner remains committed to creating opportunities for athletes while encouraging the next generation of women leaders to pursue their place in the field.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
