�山ǿ��

By Marisa Lombardo

When Bill Stiles arrived at �山ǿ�� in July 2009, �山ǿ�� Athletics was a small Division III department. With about 280 student-athletes and roughly half the sports it offers today, the department as it currently exists was nothing but a vision.

“The vision that Dr. [Thomas] Flynn and Dr. John McCloskey articulated to me during my interview process 16 years ago was very ambitious, but also very clear,” said Stiles. “I could not have been more fortunate to have such amazing leaders and mentors.”

With Stiles at the helm, that ambitious vision became a reality. Under his leadership, �山ǿ�� added over a dozen NCAA programs and grew its student-athlete population to just under 700. Stiles also oversaw over $50 million in new construction, renovations and upgrades to �山ǿ��’s various athletic facilities. But through all the growth and change, one thing remained at the forefront: the student-athlete experience.

“I have been unwavering in my belief that the student-athlete experience must always come first,” he said. “That was the principle that guided our actions, shaped our programs and defined our success. Student-athletes are the heart of what we do and the reason this work matters.”

As Stiles departs �山ǿ��, it is not the new buildings, new sports, championships or the growth of �山ǿ�� Athletics that makes him most proud. It is the culture and community that stayed true to �山ǿ�� through it all. Stiles hopes that will be his legacy.

“I am most proud that the culture of �山ǿ�� and the Golden Wolves remained the same [through the growth and success],” said Stiles. “Whether it was celebrating the great times or tackling the challenges, we did it together. Watching thousands of student-athletes grow personally and athletically and continue to follow their success is the most rewarding part of what we do — it’s why we do what we do — and I am very proud of that.”

Stiles leaves behind a solid foundation for Cory Beddick to build upon as the new director of Athletics and Recreation. Beddick’s commitment to the development and success of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom was clear from the start of the search process to find Stiles’ successor.

“I will work tirelessly to make sure [that] our current and future student-athletes are supported [and] developed and [that] their athletic experience at �山ǿ�� sets them up for success in the future,” said Beddick. “I plan to approach each day with energy and enthusiasm to support our campus community and develop the next generation of Golden Wolves that will make a positive impact on the campus community.”