Charlotte, NC - Dustin Stewart has been named as Johnson & Wales Charlotte's head coach for cross country and women's track & field.

Stewart comes to Charlotte from Lenior-Rhyne University, where he's served as the Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach since August of 2024. At Lenoir-Rhyne, Stewart oversaw the Cross Country program and the distance events for the Bears' Track & Field teams. His duties included recruiting, meet entries, transportation, and designing training programs. Prior was at Johnson C. Smith University from August 2023 through August 2024, serving in the same role as he did at Lenoir-Rhyne. He rebuilt the distance program after a period of decline in addition to hosting the team's home meet. He coached two All-CIAA athletes and mentored athletes that set new school records in the men's 5k and men's high jump events.

"I'm really excited to be here at Johnson & Wales University–Charlotte and incredibly thankful to Athletic Director Trudi Lacey for giving me the opportunity to lead the cross country and track & field programs," said Stewart upon his appointment. "This is such an exciting time for JWU as we make the move into NCAA Division III and join a new conference, and I'm proud to be part of that growth. What really drew me in was the chance to help revitalize these programs as it feels like we're building from the ground up, which is something I'm passionate about. As a college athlete, I was part of a start-up program, so I know how special that journey can be. With the energy on campus and JWU's amazing location, I can't wait to get started and begin building something our student-athletes and the university can be proud of."

Stewart spent nearly two years at Queens University as Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, where his duties included coaching sprints, hurdles, and relays, developing personalized training programs, recruiting, travel logistics, and fundraising. He got his start in coaching at Belmont Abbey College in 2015 as Assistant Cross Country and Track  Field Coach. During his nearly four years in Belmont, he helped grow the program from 25 to close to 60 athletes, managed logistics for hosting the Conference Carolinas Cross Country Championship, and helped bridge the gap between head coaches at the school. 

Johnson & Wales Charlotte Athletic Director Trudi Lacey feels Stewart's experience, knowledge, and coaching acumen will make him a great fit at JWU. "We are excited to have a coach of Dustin's caliber to join our athletic department.  As we move into the next phase of NCAA D III having Coach Stewart's experience will be beneficial and a positive experience for our student athletes.  We look forward to continued success in our cross country and women's track & field program."