Hairston joined the DSU staff in July 2005. His responsibilities include a wide range of supervisory duties, including oversight of compliance and several sports.
Prior to accepting his current job, Hairston served as an assistant commissioner of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for six years. In that multifaceted position, he worked closely with member institutions in the areas of compliance, NCAA Athletics Certification, secondary and major NCAA rules violations, in addition to conducting compliance reviews and audits.
During his tenure at the WAC, Hairston oversaw the National Letter of Intent Program, Coaches Certification Test Program, the conference’s Student-Athlete Special Assistance and Student-Athlete Opportunity Funds, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, as well as crafted amendments to NCAA and conference legislation.
Hairston was also a source of expertise concerning conference and NCAA rules, not only providing written and verbal interpretation, but also developing and writing amendments to conference and NCAA legislation. In addition, he coordinated and conducted seminars concerning conference rules.
From 1998 to ’99, Hairston served as a compliance coordinator and athletics academic advisor at Texas A&M University.
A native of Williamson, WV, Hairston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from West Virginia University.
Patrick and wife Vanessa have one child, Patrick, Jr. (2).
