Joe Browning

Joe Browning has racked up impressive stats during his 37 years as a collegiate athletic administrator at UNCW. He has served seven chancellors and seven athletic directors, worked with 107 head coaches, promoted 13,000 student-athletes and has traveled to more than 40 states and four countries. 

As a member of UNCW Athletics’ senior management team, Browning led communication efforts and oversaw many of the department's programs, including creation of the department's first athletics website, establishing the UNCW Athletic Hall of Fame, developing the Seahawk Digital Network, and expanding the university's radio and internet properties.

"Any successes and accomplishments I've achieved through the years have been due to the unwavering support of my family and a truly dedicated staff," he said. 

Browning will retire on Sept. 1 from his post as senior associate athletic director. Retiring was one of the most difficult decisions he has made in his life partly due to the relationships established over the years and his passion for the job.

"It's been a labor of love for me," said Browning. "There wasn't a particular revelation, just a desire to shift gears and change priorities."   
  
For nearly four decades, Browning and his staff navigated the changing landscape of college athletics, a pandemic and hurricanes. He mentored hundreds of student interns, volunteers and athletes as they charted their course for their future.   
 
"Working with students every day and feeding off the energy they exude has been my favorite part of this position," he said. "I've had the opportunity to mentor hundreds of students in various ways. We have always strived to ensure our student-athletes' health, safety and well-being while providing a top-notch, educational experience for them."   

Browning's work in the realm of athletics isn’t limited to the collegiate level. He was a media relations staff member for the U.S. Olympic Committee for several events, including the 1991 Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba and the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville, France. Browning is also one of the founders and served as the first president of the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association. 

Higher education has always been important to the Browning family, and being a Seahawk is a part of their DNA. His daughter, Hayley, earned her teaching degree from the Watson College of Education. Ivan, his son, completed his bachelor's degree in marine biology and will graduate with his master's in chemistry in December. Mary, his wife, recently retired from UNCW after serving 31 years.   
  
"It was fortuitous that I built a career working with students on this level," he said. "I have gained an even greater appreciation for higher education and its value after working in a university setting for many years." 

In May 2022, Browning was inducted into UNCW's prestigious Order of Issac Bear, an honor recognizing "those who have demonstrated loyalty to UNCW, contributed to the academic quality of the university or had a significant role in uniting the institution and the community." 

Browning, often seen jogging around campus, plans to stay involved with the university and the community and travel during retirement. "I also want to become more involved in my faith journey and contribute to the betterment of the Wilmington community."  
  
Witnessing UNCW's growth has been nothing short of phenomenal, Browning added.   
   
"We've had tremendous leadership and visionaries who have set the course for success," he continued. "I've always been very proud to give tours and share the history of our institution. It is a special university that provides a quality education while preparing tomorrow's leaders."