Date September 16, 2025
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Staff Spotlight: From Brown’s campus to local neighborhoods, Victoria Mealer-Flowers roots for all students

As a senior manager for student-athlete development, undergraduate adviser and community engagement leader, Mealer-Flowers strengthens students’ experiences and Brown’s ties to the broader community.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Whether she’s offering advice to members of Brown’s men’s soccer team, welcoming student-athletes to a senior sendoff at the Pizzitola Sports Center or leading students in a Habitat for Humanity service project, Victoria Mealer-Flowers brings firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities student-athletes face.

A seven-time NCAA Division I All-American in weight throw, hammer and shotput at the University of Connecticut, Mealer-Flowers was also a standout-athlete at Classical High School in Providence.

She returned to her hometown in 2015 to join Brown Athletics as a student-athlete services intern. From there, she was hired full-time in 2016 and has continued to grow at Brown, where she currently serves as a senior manager for student-athlete development, community engagement and diversity and inclusion programs for athletics. She also serves as an exploratory academic adviser for the College.

Vicky Mealer-Flowers
Victoria Mealer-Flowers pictured at an awards ceremony for student-athletes.

“My goal is to help students chase their passion and the things that they really care about, and to support them while they’re doing it,” said Mealer-Flowers, who lives in Providence with her wife, a chemist for a company in North Kingstown, and their toddler, who loves trips to Roger Williams Park Zoo and local beaches.

“What’s so beautiful about working at Brown is the variety of people I’m able to engage with,” she said. “I share knowledge and experiences with our students, and I learn from our students every day — people from all over the country and all over the world — and the uniqueness and all of those experiences makes me passionate about the work that I do.” 

In this Q&A, Mealer-Flowers reflects on the path that led her to Brown and the highlights of her work on campus.

Q: What drew you to this field of work?

My dad was a math teacher, and I’ve always loved teaching and school, so originally I wanted to go into elementary education. When I was in graduate school for human development at UConn, I had the opportunity to work in the athletic director’s office and see the behind-the-scenes work that they did beyond coaching, athletic training and strength and conditioning. They really got to support student athletes off the field to make sure they have the things they need to excel and succeed as individuals. That’s when I decided to get a second master’s degree in sports management with the goal of working in athletics long-term. And I’m very glad it worked out that way, because I really use both of those degrees every day: At the core of my work, I support people and help them engage with the world around them.

Q: Why do you like working with student-athletes?

I've been an athlete most of my life. My dad was an athlete, my brothers were athletes, and so sports have always been a big part of my life. I competed in track and field in high school and college at UConn as a thrower and competed nationally. I definitely had my struggles and bumps along the way, but I’m an example that it’s possible to perform at a high level athletically and academically, and I always emphasize this to my students. My experience as a student-athlete was transformative for my life. I want to use my knowledge and experience to support them in their journey of self-discovery.

Q: Why did you come to Brown?

When I was looking for a job, my last thought was moving back to Rhode Island, but I got an internship here in 2015. I had some great mentors in our athletics department, and from there, my position grew. Once I got to know Brown as an institution, it made it easy to stay. I found people I can collaborate with who are passionate about the work they’re doing: about caring for our students and helping them to become their best selves. You really can’t match the energy here. So I ended up returning to my roots in Providence. My family’s here and, ultimately, I enjoy the work I do.

Q: Did your perception of Brown change once you began working at the University? 

I was a poor Black kid from the South Side of Providence, and so walking into a space like Brown, I had a perception of elitism and it was incredibly intimidating. But then, once you open the doors and you really get to meet the people, I learned it was so inviting, and people were so willing to learn to engage. I remember early on being invited to be a part of a panel about racial battle fatigue, and I was surprised that we could have those kinds of conversations at Brown, and that people were willing and open to talk, learn and connect. I feel that Brown is a place where you can grow; it’s why I love what I do.

Q: What’s been surprising about your career at Brown?

Brown has allowed me to be immersed in so many different things. When I started this job, I never thought I’d become an exploratory academic adviser for the College. We have close to 1,000 student-athletes at Brown, but as an adviser, I get randomly assigned students, so they’re a mix of athletes and non-athletes. Advising has helped me really understand the student perspective outside of the athletic world. Those sessions are focused on their academic journeys, really supporting and guiding them, about getting to know them as individuals and encouraging them to take advantage of the Open Curriculum and all the resources and opportunities here. It’s like, “How can I help you sample the buffet that is Brown?” It continues to give me perspective on the work that I do.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work with students?

Our student-athletes are such eclectic and talented individuals. They are often engaged in research and other leadership roles on campus and volunteering — they do so much and they are absolutely amazing. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be able to provide mentorship, counseling, and overall guidance and support in a way that I didn’t originally imagine I would be able to. It means a lot to me when students who graduated come back to my office and check in with me. They still want my advice and support, and I think it says a lot about the job that I’m able to do — to help people see beyond whatever limitations are in place. It’s been powerful to have a lasting impact that I get to see.

Q: What’s the best part about leading community engagement for student-athletes?

I love that aspect of the work that I do. Whether we’re partnering with community members to do something like a tree planting, partnering with a local school, or engaging with different organizations that serve the community, I think it’s just so important. It helps us recognize our privilege and understand the importance of supporting all people’s needs and dignity. I feel it is important they see what lies beyond College Hill and they are so willing to give back to others.

Q: Is there a key piece of advice you offer to student-athletes at Brown?

I encourage all students and community members to get to know people first — before you know what they do or what they’re affiliated with — before you judge anyone, because you could miss out on an absolutely amazing person. Another thing I tell our student-athletes is to engage with people and make connections. A lot of people these days have their heads down, stuck in their phones, so I remind everyone to keep their heads up and talk to the people around them. Those connections may lead to future opportunities and friendships.

Q: What’s been the best thing about your career at Brown?

I’ve met so many amazing people here throughout my 10 years. I’ve met people who have done so many different things and lived colorful lives, and it has allowed me to continue to find ways to challenge myself and stretch myself. I like that Brown is a place where you can be a little bit fearless and take chances. I’ve had great supervisors who have encouraged me to throw something at the wall and see what sticks, and I feel like innovation is encouraged here, when it comes to bringing new services to our students, or providing new opportunities, or thinking of ways to collaborate.

Q: Do you have a favorite place on campus?

Beyond the Pizz (Pizzitola Sports Center), who doesn’t love walking through the main green? I love to see all the action, the different clubs and different people. You just see so much life of the students on campus and what’s going on.