Life & Work with Deire Foxx of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deire Foxx.

Hi Deire, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Went to the local public schools from elementary to high school. After graduating from Bryan Station High School in 2006, I attended Western Kentucky University, where I initially majored in Business Management. At the time, I didn’t know much about business—I just knew I loved sports and believed it was the closest path to my dream of becoming a sports agent or managing professional athletes.

After my second year, WKU introduced a new degree in Sport and Recreation Management through the College of Health Sciences, and I immediately changed my major. College was an incredibly formative experience. I got involved in leadership opportunities, built lasting friendships, and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. I truly felt like I was doing everything I needed to set myself up for success after graduation.

I earned my degree in Sport Management in 2011 and was ready to break into the sports industry. Around that same time, one of my closest friends—like a brother to me—entered the NBA Draft after two standout college seasons. However, 2011 was also the year of the NBA lockout, which disrupted opportunities across the league. Despite that, I moved to Washington, D.C., where he had been drafted by the Wizards.

Living in D.C. was a powerful experience. I gained firsthand insight into the business side of professional sports, managing everything off the court—appearances, charitable efforts, launching a nonprofit, and day-to-day responsibilities. It gave me a deeper understanding of what it takes to support an athlete holistically.

After about a year and a half, I realized I wanted to pursue becoming a sports agent more seriously. I moved back to Kentucky to earn my master’s degree in Sport Administration at Western Kentucky University, with the long-term goal of attending law school. While thinking about how to fund my education, I secured a graduate assistantship as a mentor in the Cornerstone program, which supports first-generation college students.

As a first-generation student myself, that role changed everything. I discovered a passion for education and mentorship. I saw the power of sharing my story to help others navigate their own journeys. Working with students who came from similar backgrounds was incredibly meaningful, and it opened my eyes to a career path I hadn’t previously considered.

After completing my graduate degree in 2013, I returned to Lexington and took a job at CarMax while exploring opportunities in both sports and education. I eventually connected with someone in the University of Kentucky’s athletic department. Getting my foot in the door wasn’t easy—I showed up every day for nearly three weeks, waiting hours at a time just for a chance to speak with him. When we finally connected, he referred me to Mike Pirrman, and that conversation led to my first role at UK.

I spent six years at the University of Kentucky, serving in various roles within athletics, supporting student-athletes academically and ensuring they stayed on track. From there, I transitioned into the admissions office, where I traveled extensively—recruiting students in Chicago while based in Lexington.

Later, I shifted into an academic advising role in the College of Business, helping students map out their four-year plans. During that time, I also began pursuing my doctorate. In 2019, after completing my coursework, I made the bold decision to leave my job and move to Atlanta—without a position lined up.

That transition required a lot of faith, but I trusted that my experiences and education would open the right doors. Not long after arriving, a connection from my time in the NBA world led to an introduction at a private school in Atlanta. One conversation turned into an opportunity, and within a week, I had an offer to become an Associate Director of Admissions.

I quickly immersed myself in the independent school landscape and have been in this space ever since. Today, I serve as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment at Galloway—proud to be the youngest and the only Black male currently in this role across Atlanta’s independent schools.

My journey hasn’t been linear, but every step has shaped my purpose: creating access, building community, and helping students and families find the right educational fit.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.

Early on, I didn’t have a clear path and was navigating a competitive sports industry. Everyone wanted to work in Sports at this time. Financial pressures led me to take a graduate assistant role, which unexpectedly shifted my career toward education.

After grad school, I went through a tough transition—moving back home, working at CarMax, and trying to figure out my next step. Breaking into the University of Kentucky took persistence; I showed up daily for weeks just to get a foot in the door.

Later, I took another big risk by leaving a stable job and moving to Atlanta without anything lined up. Even then, I had to quickly learn a new industry and establish myself.

It hasn’t been easy, but those challenges shaped my resilience and ultimately led me to where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently serve as the Director of Admissions and Enrollment at Galloway, where I lead the strategy and process for recruiting, evaluating, and enrolling students and families. My work centers on building meaningful relationships, guiding families through one of the most important decisions they’ll make, and helping ensure that each student is placed in an environment where they can truly thrive.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I’m able to have beyond just enrollment numbers—creating access, supporting families through the process, and helping students find a school community where they feel seen and supported.

What sets me apart is my journey and perspective. As a first-generation college student who didn’t have a clear roadmap, I bring authenticity, empathy, and a relationship-driven approach to this work. I understand how important guidance and opportunity are, and I strive to be that bridge for others while also bringing a fresh, diverse perspective to independent school leadership.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with me, collaborate with me, or support my work in a few meaningful ways:

Partnering on access and outreach: I’m always open to connecting with organizations, schools, and community leaders who are passionate about expanding access to great educational opportunities for students and families.

Collaborating on programming or events: Whether it’s hosting info sessions, panels, or community-based events, I enjoy working with others to create spaces where families can learn, connect, and feel supported in the school search process.

Sharing resources and networks: If you know families who could benefit from learning more about Galloway or independent school options, making that connection is incredibly impactful.

Mentorship and storytelling: I’m passionate about supporting students, especially first-generation students, by sharing my journey and offering guidance. Opportunities to speak, mentor, or engage with students are always meaningful.

Professional collaboration: I welcome opportunities to connect with other educators and professionals around admissions, enrollment strategy, and building inclusive school communities.

At the core, I value genuine relationships and shared purpose, so any opportunity to collaborate, uplift, and create impact together is something I’m excited about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gallowayschool.org/admissions/admissions-contacts
• Instagram: instargram.com/deire10
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deire-foxx-40082688/