Release courtesy of Dickinson College Athletic Communications
CARLISLE, Pa. – After an extensive nationwide search it is with great excitement that Dickinson Vice President and Dean of Student Life George Stroud has announced the hiring of Celine Cunningham as the newest Director of Athletics for Dickinson College.
"I am extremely excited that Celine will be joining the Red Devil family this summer. For nearly three decades, Celine has achieved great success as a coach, mentor and athletic administrator. Throughout her career she has exhibited a commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience, mentoring young coaches and promoting a positive team culture," said Stroud.
Cunningham comes to Carlisle from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she served as the Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator, overseeing all 31 athletic programs for the Bobcats which is made up of 750 student-athletes. She was instrumental in enhancing fundraising, equity and inclusivity efforts and worked in close collaboration with all departments across campus. "Celine has been an incredible partner and colleague in every sense of the word. She will be an amazing leader for Dickinson College, but she will be sorely missed by all of us here in Maine. We cannot express our thanks enough for all that she has done for us:, stated Bates College Director of Athletics, Jason Fein.
"From the time I stepped on campus for my interview, I knew Dickinson was a special place" Cunningham said. She went on to add "everyone was incredibly welcoming and committed to building a championship culture. It is clear there is a strong commitment to athletics from the college, alumni, parents and the fans. The facilities are excellent, which is so important for recruiting and the competitive success that we want to have."
Prior to Bates, she was head women's lacrosse coach and later Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. During her time behind the bench for the Ducks, Cunningham amassed 202 wins, averaging nearly 13 victories per season over her 16-year stint, while also collecting three Empire 8 Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2009, 2011 and 2017.
Prior to beginning her coaching career Cunningham was a multi-sport athlete for the University of Maryland playing both field hockey and lacrosse for the Terrapins. She was a four-year starter and team captain on the field hockey pitch, while also helping the Terps to capture the 1981 national championship with a 5-4 victory over Ursinus College. Following her time in College Park, she was selected as a member of the United States National Team.
When connecting her experience as a student-athlete to her time as an administrator Cunningham offered this thought. "I strongly believe in the life lessons that athletics brings, such as teamwork, dealing with adversity, work ethic and a commitment to excellence. This belief has helped me in every stage of my career and the opportunity to see student-athletes grow as people is one of the reasons why I feel so fortunate to work in this field."
Cunningham earned her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Maryland, followed immediately by securing a Master's in Coaching and Administration from Concordia University in Irvine, California and earning a professional fundraising certificate at Boston University. Before heading to Hoboken, she became the first ever head coach of the women's lacrosse program at Columbia University in the Ivy League, following a run as an assistant coach for the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs at Georgetown University.
"I have looked up to Celine for many years" said Dickinson women's lacrosse head coach and current senior woman administrator
Kim Masimore. "She strikes the perfect balance of holding others to high standards while being extremely relatable and authentic. I am eager to see just how far Dickinson Athletics can and will advance under her leadership."
"I would like to thank President John Jones, Vice President George Stroud and the entire search committee for giving me this great opportunity. Additionally, I would like to offer another round of thanks to my current Athletic Director at Bates, Jason Fein as well as all my other colleagues for my time in Maine" said Cunningham.
One last thing she wants Red Devil Nation to know "I am a fierce competitor that does not shy away from a challenge. I truly believe in the mission of Division III athletics and the profound effect it can have on our student-athletes well beyond graduation. I cannot wait to get started Wearing the Red!
She will begin her Dickinson tenure on Monday, July 1st.
