Hollier Joins Executive Staff for Student-Athlete Wellness

Dwight Hollier, a standout UNC and pro linebacker who has continued to make a positive mark on football as Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services for the NFL, is returning to Carolina as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health, Well-Being and Program Outreach.

In this newly-created role, Hollier will oversee the Strength and Conditioning, Sports Medicine and Nutrition, and Student-Athlete Development units within the Department of Athletics. He will also serve on the department's Executive Leadership Team and as a sport administrator.

"Our focus is to make the student-athlete experience at Carolina as rewarding as it can be – and that means continuing to look for ways to improve and innovate in the areas of physical health, mental health, mentoring and leadership,'' UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. "Dwight's experiences as a student-athlete, a professional athlete and as a counselor give him a unique and important perspective that will be a great benefit to our department. We are pleased to welcome him back."

Hollier was an All-ACC linebacker, Academic All-Conference student and two-time captain at Carolina, where he graduated in 1991 with a dual degree in psychology and speech communication. As a senior, he was awarded the Patterson Medal, which is given to the top senior student-athlete at UNC. Hollier went on to earn a master's degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University while playing for the Miami Dolphins. He played pro football for nine years, including a stint with the Indianapolis Colts.

"Dwight's leadership and passion for enhancing the quality of life and total wellness of NFL players will have lasting impact," said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. "He will continue to serve as a positive role model and make an immediate impact on the UNC community."

Hollier is a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience working with adolescents, families and adults around a variety of clinical and non-clinical issues. During his time with the NFL, Dwight worked to enhance awareness and education around important psycho-social issues and has been a champion of reducing the stigma surrounding the help-seeking behavior of athletes.

"I am excited and honored to return to Chapel Hill not just because I have so many positive memories as a student and athlete at Carolina, but also because this position will allow me to make a positive impact in so many students' lives,'' Hollier said. "Carolina has been special to me since the first day I stepped foot on campus, and being able to come back and serve is special for my family and me."

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