Dashan Jamel Axson-Lawrence

Associate Athletic Director for Student Athlete Development

Instructor

Student-athlete development, leadership, diversity and inclusion in athletics, community building, Black student success in higher education, and the academic experiences and development of Black male student-athletes at predominantly White institutions.

Dr. Dashan “DJ” Axson-Lawrence serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support and Student-Athlete Development at George Mason University, where he leads strategic initiatives focused on the academic achievement, personal development, and professional growth of student-athletes. In this role, he also oversees academic support services for the Men’s Basketball program while fostering a culture of holistic student success and inclusive excellence within athletics.

Dr. Axson-Lawrence is a higher education professional, educator, and scholar with more than a decade of experience in student success, leadership development, student-athlete development, multicultural student services, and residence life. His career has centered on creating supportive and inclusive educational environments that empower students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. He has held leadership and academic support roles at University of Virginia, Duke University, and University of Georgia, where his work included academic advising, multicultural student engagement, residential education, and student-athlete support across multiple sports and student populations.

In addition to his administrative leadership, Dr. Axson-Lawrence serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development’s Higher Education program at University of Virginia, where he teaches courses focused on collegiate athletics, student development, and higher education. His teaching emphasizes the intersection of athletics, identity, leadership, and student success within college environments.

His research and teaching interests include student-athlete development; diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy in sport spaces; the role of community in the academic development of Black students; and the experiences, sense of belonging, and academic pursuits of Black male student-athletes at predominantly White institutions. His work seeks to bridge theory and practice by exploring how educational and athletic environments can better support the success and well-being of historically marginalized students.

Education

Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration — University of Virginia
M.S. in Sport Management and Policy — University of Georgia
M.Ed. in Professional Counseling (College Student Affairs Concentration) — University of West Georgia
B.A. in English, Minor in Psychology — South Carolina State University