Cathy Badger

Deputy Director

M.S. in Higher Education with a Student Affairs focus, Florida State University
M.S. in Athletic Administration, Florida State University
B.A. in Secondary English and Chemistry Education, Western Michigan University

Cathy Badger, originally from Naperville, Illinois, officially joined the Florida State University Student-Athlete Academic Services staff in December of 2009. In January 2014 she was named Assistant Director for the department. In October of 2015 she was promoted to Associate Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services. She was promoted to Senior Associate Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services in July 2019. Cathy serves as the Director of Academic Affairs for the department and helps to create a comprehensive academic support program.

In this capacity, she provides guidance to student-athletes regarding academic and personal skill development as well as monitoring academic eligibility, major selection, advisement, progress towards a degree, and assisting in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.

Cathy earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary English and Chemistry Education from Western Michigan University where she was also a member of the soccer team. She came to Florida State University to pursue a double Master's degree in Higher Education with a Student Affairs focus and Athletic Administration, both earned in April, 2010.Her interest in working with student-athletes drew her to working as a tutor/mentor through SAAS beginning in January, 2008, moving into a Graduate Assistant position, then hired full-time as the Tutorial Coordinator and eventually into current role of Academic Program Specialist. Cathy thrives off of engaging student-athletes in the learning process while cultivating an atmosphere that promotes collegiate transition and overall student development.

Cathy is married to Jeff Badger, who is the Associate Director of the University Honors Program at Florida State. They have two children; a son and daughter. She is also a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Certifications/Presentations

N4A Region II Secretary (2017-2019)
N4A Concurrent Workshop Presenter – “P&P Factory: Creating & Maintaining Office Policies and Procedures” (2018)
N4A Professional Development Institute Graduate – Leader/Manager Track (2016)
N4A SADC Mental Health Sub-Committee Co-Chair (2015-2017)
N4A Large Group Session Presenter - “Mental Health Support for Student-Athletes” (2015)
N4A Concurrent Workshop Presenter – “Academic Game Plan: Advising Student-Athletes in Interdisciplinary Majors” (2013)
NCAA/NACWAA Women’s Leadership Symposium (2013)
N4A Individual Academic Advising Credential (2013)
N4A Student-Athlete Development Committee (SADC) member (2013)
ACC Workshop Presenter - ” Athletic Certification Best Practices- Florida State University” (2011)