University of Hartford Athletics is entering a new phase of its DIII transition as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Sharon Beverly completes her tenure at UHart. Beverly held the role on an interim basis before accepting a contract through this summer, in order to make progress in stewarding the department through its evolution from Division I to Division III.
Since June of 2021, Beverly has led the department in aligning with new NCAA regulations and compliance, securing membership in a new conference, recruiting impressive new coaches and student-athletes, and developing strategic plans for facility upgrades and additions to sports offerings.
"It's been an extremely busy two years as we navigated an unprecedented and successful move to Division III. We've also worked to create a culture that encourages more opportunities for all students: a high level of competition with more co-curricular opportunities for student-athletes, and more fitness and recreation activities for the entire student body," said Beverly. "Our team of administrators, coaches, and student-athletes, have come so far and I am extremely thankful for their efforts. I'm confident in an exciting future for Hartford Athletics."
Beginning with the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, UHart student-athletes will be competing as members of the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Meanwhile, construction will begin on a new track and field at the University, which will allow for expanded programs for athletics as well as any other students on campus interested in intramurals, fitness, and recreation programming. As part of a strategic plan developed by Beverly, UHart plans to add tennis, field hockey, and ice hockey in the coming years. Under her guidance, there has also been significant growth in the offerings and participation for recreation and intramural programs.
Beverly is a nationally recognized leader in higher education and came to UHart with more than 30 years of leadership experience in academic affairs, student affairs, and athletics in both private and public institutions. She enjoyed a successful 20-year career as a head women's basketball coach at three different institutions, including 11 seasons at NCAA Division I-member Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she was inducted into the school's athletics hall of fame.
In 2022, she was one of 56 women honored at the "Trailblazers of Title IX: Lunch with Legends" event at the recent Women Leaders in College Sports national convention and in 2014, Beverly was named one of the top 30 Women in Higher Education by Diverse Magazine. This year she plans to return her focus to her consulting company, Beverly & Associates, full-time.
"We are grateful for Sharon's expertise and guidance during UHart's reclassification to a DIII athletics model, and value the tremendous amount of work that has required," says President Gregory Woodward. "We thank her for truly supporting the vision of more opportunities for all students, and know that her contributions will benefit our programs into the future."
A national search for an experienced athletic director will be launched immediately.
