News Summary
The University of Memphis is mourning the unexpected loss of Marlon Clement Dechausay, who passed away at age 49 during the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament. A dedicated advocate for student-athletes and a successful track and field athlete, Marlon left a lasting impact on various collegiate institutions through his commitment to promoting diversity, well-being, and academic success. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the field of athletics and education.
Memphis University Grieves the Loss of a Champion for Student-Athletes
Memphis, TN โ The University of Memphis is in mourning after the sudden passing of Marlon Clement Dechausay on December 4, 2024, at the age of 49. This unexpected tragedy took place in beautiful Maui, Hawaii, during the prestigious Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament, where Marlon was known to be a passionate supporter of collegiate athletics.
A Life Rooted in Athletics and Education
Marlonโs journey began in the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where his love for athletics and education started at a young age. Demonstrating remarkable talent, he proudly represented the Canadian National Track and Field Team from 1992 to 1999. Among his many achievements, Marlon made waves by setting Japan’s record for the 400-meter sprint for runners under 19, showcasing incredible speed and determination.
His athletic prowess also led him to serve as an alternate for Team Canada during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. From there, he excelled at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in track and field, clinching Sun Belt Conference titles in the 400 meters, and he became a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc..
A Mentor and Advocate for Student-Athletes
Continuing his academic journey, Marlon earned a masterโs degree from Syracuse University, where his passion for mentoring student-athletes truly began. His contributions to the Syracuse menโs basketball team during their journey toward a national championship in 2003 are still remembered fondly by many in the athletic community.
Over the course of 21 years in college athletics and 18 years in higher education, Marlon left an indelible mark at various institutions, promoting a legacy of excellence and innovation for student-athletes. As a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), he worked tirelessly at Memphis and throughout the American Athletic Conference to create spaces of belonging and opportunity.
Leading with Purpose at the University of Memphis
In his role as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Welfare at Memphis for six years, Marlon spearheaded key initiatives to support student-athletesโ holistic well-being. He oversaw wellness programs and chaired UMADE (University of Memphis Athletics for Diversity and Equality), proving his commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Under his leadership, the Tiger Bites nutrition program was created to help optimize the performance of student-athletes through focused education and fueling stations. His advocacy didnโt stop there. He was also appointed to the LEAD1 Associationโs national working group on DEI in college sports, further emphasizing his dedication to positive change.
Transformative Impact Across Several Institutions
Marlonโs contributions stretched far and wide; at Illinois, he enhanced academic services for 500 student-athletes across 19 sports. At Florida Atlantic, he played a vital role in raising the student-athlete GPA from 2.71 to 3.10 and revitalizing the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. His efforts at Indiana State in implementing mental health programs, academic tutoring, and career fairs were monumental in supporting the overall success of student-athletes.
A Legacy of Kindness and Community Engagement
Beyond athleticism and academics, Marlon prioritized unity and community involvement. He was actively engaged with the Race for Reconciliation in Memphis, promoting both understanding and outreach within the community. Throughout his career, Marlon earned recognition for his exceptional leadership skills, culminating in the prestigious Lan Hewitt Leadership Award for his significant contributions in college athletics. He was known for his partnerships with various organizations, including the Institute for Sport and Social Justice, to provide support and encouragement for student-athletes.
A Family Man
Marlon is survived by his loving wife Tina and their two sons, Marlon Jr. and Braylon. He emphasized the importance of values like kindness, honesty, and hard work to his children, all while taking pride in his Caribbean and Canadian heritage.
As Memphis University reflects on Marlonโs life, it is clear that his passing is a considerable loss not only to his family and friends but also to the collegiate athletics community. He leaves behind a legacy defined by kindness, advocacy for student-athlete welfare, and unyielding passion for education and athletics.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Marlon Dechausay
- Legacy: William Jermann Obituary
- Local Memphis: Bolton High Grad Named Miss United States 2022
- Money: Best Colleges
- Times Higher Education: Best Universities in the United States
- Wikipedia: Collegiate Athletics
- Google Search: Memphis University Athletics
- Google Scholar: Student-Athlete Welfare
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Athletics (Sport)
- Google News: Memphis University Marlon Dechausay
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