Higgins to Step Down at End of Year

Alfred State athletic director Dr. Kelly Higgins has announced that he will step down at the end of 2016 to accept other new opportunities. Under Dr. Higgins' leadership, the athletic program achieved notable successes including advancement in the NCAA provisional process, NCAA DIII conference affiliations, and facility projects. 

According to President Dr. Skip Sullivan, "Kelly has made measurable contributions to the department of athletics. Kelly's knowledge was helpful in our continuing transition in the NCAA Division III."

Some highlights of Higgins' time at Aflred State include:

• Conference membership into the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC), the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) for lacrosse, swimming & diving, and baseball, and the creation of the American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) that will host championship competition in eight sports starting in 2016-17.
• Implementation of a strategic plan to move all head coaches to full time employee status to help enhance the student-athlete experience.
• The addition of Western Equestrian as a new varsity sport stating in 2017-18; 
• Fundraising efforts that included working on the development of the Alfred State Drive for the Development Fund Golf Tournament, the development of the Pioneer Corporate Partnership Program, the start of the Pioneer Athletic Club, and working closely on implementation the Alfred State Day of Giving.
• Construction projects including renovations to the Orvis Pool, the plan and start of construction on the Pioneer Stadium Locker Room project, and the press box and paved road projects at the baseball and softball fields.
• Negotiating the partnership to link Pioneer athletics to Under Armour and ADPRO Sports.
• On the field, over 15 teams competed in postseason play, including Alfred State hosting their first ever ECAC Tournament. 
• Off the field, student-athlete GPA and graduation rates increased. The number of community service hours put in by student-athletes also rose.

Higgins will miss the great people at Alfred State. "We have accomplished what I was hired to do, and it is time for me to take on another opportunity and role that allows me to spend more time with my family. More will be accomplished in the very near future by the Pioneers due to the foundation my great colleagues in Athletics have built. They are ready to move forward and complete the journey."

A national search for a successor to Higgins is underway. Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Relations Jen Enke will serve as the interim athletic director until a new athletic director is hired.