FLORENCE, Ala. (November 10, 2025) – University of North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney announced two promotions within the athletics department on Monday, both of whom are proud UNA graduates and are nearing a decade on staff.
 
Anna Milwee Hovater was promoted to Associate Athletic Director for Governance and Student-Athlete Experience. On top of this role, Hovater is also currently serving as the department lead for the launch of women's flag football, a sport that will begin competition at UNA in 2026-27.
 
Dr. Janae Lyde was promoted to Associate Athletic Director, Chief of Staff. Both Lyde's and Hovater's new titles go into effect immediately.
 
"Janae and Anna represent the very best of what it means to grow within collegiate athletics," said Looney. "Their leadership is rooted in loyalty to UNA, earned trust across our campus community, and a shared commitment to forward-thinking strategies that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving NCAA landscape. As college sports continue to evolve, their vision and versatility will help keep North Alabama rising."
 
Hovater has been on staff since 2018, starting as an academic support specialist before moving to the Assistant Director of Compliance and Student-Athlete Welfare in 2021 — the same year she completed her master's degree from UNA. She most recently served as the Assistant AD for Compliance and Student Success.
 
In her expanded role, Hovater will play a pivotal part in aligning the department's compliance and academic success units to ensure holistic support for student-athletes. She will oversee monitoring of NCAA legislation — including the evolving CSC and House Settlement frameworks — and ensure adherence to UNA's institutional policies. Hovater will also collaborate closely with key campus partners in legal affairs, financial aid, admissions and the registrar's office to streamline processes and reinforce cross-campus integration. Additionally, she serves as sport administrator for baseball and beach volleyball.
 
"I'm grateful to continue my professional journey at my alma mater as Associate Athletic Director for Governance and Student-Athlete Experience," said Hovater. "I look forward to advancing initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience and strengthen our commitment to excellence amid the changing landscape of college athletics."
 
Lyde joined the UNA Athletics staff in 2016 following a standout three-year playing career with the Lions' women's basketball program. After serving two years as a graduate assistant, she was named Athletic Ticket Manager in 2018 and transitioned into the Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations role in 2021.
 
In her new capacity as Associate AD and Chief of Staff, Lyde will expand upon her internal operations portfolio — serving as the department's liaison to human resources, leading organizational planning and driving strategic initiatives that include sport expansion, implementation of new department processes following the landmark NCAA House Settlement, and alignment with evolving NCAA policy. She also serves as sport administrator for men's golf and volleyball.
 
In addition to her role with UNA Athletics, Lyde currently serves as a Lecturer of Management in the Sanders College of Business and Technology — a role that started in 2023.
 
"I am extremely blessed and thankful to be able to do the job that I get to do every single day; some things you can never take for granted," said Lyde. "I am extremely appreciative of Dr. Looney for his continued support of me. It is truly a pleasure to get to work with him and this team every day. I look forward to the future of this athletic department and what we will all build together!"
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.