DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — DME Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Donovan Gibson as the Academy’s new Dean of Students, further strengthening its commitment to delivering a best-in-class student-athlete experience that extends well beyond academics and athletics.
Gibson joins DME Academy with more than two decades of experience in education, student development, coaching, and leadership. His career has been centered on helping students successfully navigate their educational journeys while building the character, confidence, and life skills needed for long-term success.
His appointment reflects DME Academy’s continued investment in creating an environment where every student-athlete is supported academically, socially, emotionally, and personally throughout their time on campus.
“At DME Academy, we believe exceptional student-athletes are developed through exceptional experiences,” said Seth Brown, President and CEO of DME Academy. “Donovan’s passion for students, his leadership experience, and his ability to build meaningful relationships with young people and families make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. He understands that success is about much more than performance in competition, it’s about helping students become confident, resilient, and prepared for life.”
Most recently, Gibson served as Director of Transfer and International Admission at the University of Jamestown, where he led international recruitment initiatives, developed student support resources, expanded global partnerships, and helped improve student retention through personalized guidance and family engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for creating systems and programs that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Earlier in his career, Gibson served as Director of Coaching for Arsenal Rome Soccer Club, where he developed player pathways, coached and mentored staff, implemented educational programs for parents, and established organizational standards focused on positive student and family experiences. His background as both an educator and coach provide a unique perspective that aligns naturally with DME Academy’s integrated approach to student development.
As Dean of Students, Gibson will oversee student conduct, leadership development, campus culture, and initiatives designed to enrich the residential and day student experience. Working closely with faculty, coaches, residential life staff, and families, he will help ensure students feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed in every aspect of Academy life.
“I am honored to join DME Academy and become part of a community that is deeply committed to helping young people reach their full potential,” said Gibson. “What excites me most is DME’s belief that education, athletics, leadership, and personal growth are all connected. I look forward to building relationships with our students and families while helping create a culture where every student feels challenged, supported, and inspired.”
Gibson’s arrival comes during an exciting period of growth for DME Academy as the institution continues to enhance every aspect of the student experience through new academic initiatives, expanded student life programming, strengthened residential support, and continued investments in campus culture.
“Everything we do is centered on creating one exceptional student-athlete experience,” Brown added. “Donovan will play an important role in helping every student discover their strengths, develop their character, maximize their opportunities, and become the very best version of themselves.”
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a premier academic and athletic institution located in Daytona Beach, Florida, dedicated to helping student-athletes discover, develop, maximize, and become. Through rigorous academics, elite athletic training, leadership development, and a supportive campus community, DME Academy prepares students for success in college, competition, and life. Serving students from across the United States and around the world, DME Academy provides an integrated experience that develops the whole student and empowers every learner to pursue excellence both on and off the field.