Dyersburg State Appoints Oakes as New Athletic Director
Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) President Scott Cook has announced the appointment of Brian Oakes as the new Athletic Director.
Oakes comes to Dyersburg State from Hinds Community College, where he spent the last 15 months as Director of the Wellness Center at the Utica Campus, where he oversaw the wellness center's operations, including a mental health therapist, fitness center, and health clinic.
Brian served as the Athletic Director from 2019-2022 at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, MS. During his tenure at Northwest, Oakes oversaw ten sports programs, along with establishing a volleyball program and relaunching tennis. Oakes also worked with the leadership team to help maintain, develop, and monitor athletic facility improvements in all sports. A handful of teams achieved division championships and conference championships, while numerous student-athletes received NJCAA Academic All-American status.
Prior to Northwest, Oakes spent eight seasons at Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS, and coached dozens of offensive linemen who have gone on to play at four-year programs, with the majority of those signing to play at the Division I level.
Prior to coaching at Hinds, Oakes served as head football coach and assistant athletic director at Stone High School in Wiggins, MS, from 2006-2010, where he led the Tomcats to the playoffs in 2009 after two consecutive winning seasons.
Oakes began his coaching career in 1998 as an assistant coach at Hattiesburg High School in Hattiesburg, MS, where he helped lead the Tigers to the state finals. He then moved on to Belhaven College for a year before becoming a graduate assistant at Delta State University, where he was a part of the school's first national championship in 2000.
Oakes earned a Bachelor of Science in Coaching and Sports Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1998. He spent five seasons at Warren Central High School, his alma mater, before going to Stone High School. Oakes earned a Master of Education in Health and Physical Education from Delta State University in 2001 and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College in 2006.
Vice President of External Affairs and Interim Athletic Director, Dr. Amanda Walker said, “Mr. Oakes brings many years of experience in athletics and student services to the Dyersburg State family. I’m excited to have AD Oakes on board to continue to build upon the relationships we’ve established, to promote student success, and grow our athletics programs as we move forward.”
Oakes has over 20 years of administrative and coaching experience throughout his career in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA), Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) levels.
“I am very appreciative of the support from my family and the vote of confidence from Dr. Cook, Dr. Walker, and the entire administrative team during this process. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Dyersburg State family. I’m appreciative, humbled, and honored to have this opportunity to lead Dyersburg State Athletics. I look forward to working with all of you –Go Eagles,” stated Brian Oakes.
Brian has been married to the former Bridgett Dendy for 26 years, and the couple have two sons, Ranson (21) and Briley (19).