NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana Athletics has promoted three XULA employees to management positions.
        Promotions, effective July 1, were awarded to:
        •  Jermaine Bridges, associate athletics director for gameday experience and community engagement.
        •  Carlette Reeves-Baker, assistant athletics director of business operations.
        •  Patrick Gary, assistant athletics director of student development / CARE coach.
        Bridges will lead the department's efforts to create innovative and exciting fan experiences at XULA home competitions and to build attendance and support on campus and in the community. Bridges also will oversee the pep band and the pom and dance teams.
        Bridges, in his third year at XULA, will maintain his duties as director of recreation and club sports.
        Reeves-Baker, in her 16th year at XULA, will administer the operational, financial and business functions of XULA Athletics. She will oversee the box office and the ticketing system and work with Student Affairs Operations to approve events in the Convocation Center, Convocation Center Annex, XULA Tennis Center and the Fitness Center.
        Previously an event planner and manager for XULA, Reeves-Baker will continue to oversee operations of the Convocation Center and Convocation Center Annex.
        Gary — in his fifth year at XULA and a 2016 XULA sciences graduate — will provide academic support for student-athletes and work closely with first-generation college students.
        Gary's duties as CARE coach refer to XULA's newest initiative, the Career Readiness, Academic Efficacy, Resilience and Engagement Program. Gary will coordinate and manage the academic plans of student-athletes while enhancing their opportunities for academic success and social development.
        XULA is a longtime NAIA member and on July 1 began its first year as a member of the Red River Athletic Conference.