Melissa Dawson became Florida Atlantic University's Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator June 1, 2001. She is the University's first person to hold the SWA position, in a full-time capacity, demonstrating the University's commitment both growth and to the development of women's sports.

Since coming to Florida Atlantic, Dawson placed her finger prints on the quality of game operations, worked to improve facilities as well as plan for the future, consolidated both the training rooms and the equipment room to encompass the needs of the entire athletic department, and supervises several individual teams.

Dawson came to FAU from Florida State University. While the title of SWA is new for her, the inner workings of college athletics is not. The Inverness, FL native held various positions at FSU during her 12-year tenure, all of which are an asset as FAU continues to strive toward success.

She was hired in 1991 as an equipment manager for the Seminoles, a position she held from 1990-1991. Proving her multi-task ability, Dawson was promoted to an Administrative Assistant in August of 1991 working directly with women's volleyball, basketball and softball. She graduated in April of 1992, from Florida State, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.

The following Fall, Dawson's title, but not home, changed once again to Assistant Home Event Manager, a position that provided her the opportunity to coordinate all invitationals, conference championship and NCAA tournaments hosted by FSU.

She was promoted again in August of 1993 to Assistant Director of Athletic Facilities and Operations, a position she held until her departure from FSU for FAU. As FSU's Assistant Director of Facilities, Dawson directly supervised the daily operations of volleyball, soccer and softball and assisted in the daily game operations for tennis and swimming. She also served as the manager for eight athletic facilities, the liaison between FSU and Nike and supervised an equipment staff of five, all while earning a Master of Science in Athletic Administration in April of 1996. She has served as the tournament director or assistant tournament director for ACC Championships, NCAA Regional Championships, a 24-team softball tournament and the 1996 NCAA Division I Women's Tennis Championship.