Sean Sullivan, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Athletics and Recreation at York (Pa.) College for the past seven years, has been named the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Clark University, President David P. Angel announced on Wednesday.
“I am deeply honored to be asked to join the Clark family and support the growth and further development of the Athletics and Recreation Department,” said Sullivan.
He will replace Linda Moulton who is retiring after 23 years. His duties will begin on February 1.
In his role at Clark, Sullivan will oversee the 17 intercollegiate teams that the University sponsors in NCAA Division III as well as the institution’s recreation endeavors, which encompass intramurals and wellness programs.
“Sean Sullivan will be an excellent addition to our campus,” President Angel said. “As Director of Athletics and Recreation, he will focus on working collaboratively with coaches, faculty members, administrators, and students to ensure that the athletic program excels both academically and competitively and that it is firmly integrated into the life and mission of the University.”
Sullivan has spent nearly 20 years in the world of intercollegiate athletics rising from a coach in the early 1990’s to most recently an athletics director at one of the most athletically successful, yet academically challenging programs in all of Division III.
At York, Sullivan guided the department to new heights, increasing the student-athlete grade point average by more than a tenth of a point to 3.18, graduating 98 percent of all four-year student-athletes and increasing participation in varsity athletics by 21 percent.
Sullivan has overseen a pair of major projects during his time at York: first, a state-of-the-art indoor facility that serves as the centerpiece of the athletics community and an all-weather outdoor facility both of which have allowed the College to host NCAA Tournaments in the last five seasons.
Under his watch, York also won its first-ever Capital Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Cup Award in 2009-10, given annually to the strongest men’s athletic program within the CAC.
On the fields of play, York has seen unparalleled success with Sullivan, as the department has won at least 65 percent of its games in each of the past five seasons. In 2008-09 York saw the most wins in a single season in school history and 12 of the 20 programs have won the most games in a season in school history since his arrival in 2004-05.
He began his career at the age of 21 as the head coach of the men’s soccer program at his alma mater, the University of California-Santa Cruz, following a standout four-year career that saw him named a regional All-American in 1991. In five seasons, his teams won 70 percent of their contests, produced six regional All-Americans and he was named the UC-Santa Cruz Male Coach of the Year in 1996.
After a stint outside of athletics, Sullivan returned to his alma mater as the interim director of athletics and oversaw a department that won four national championships and six of the University’s 12 teams were ranked in their respective top 25 polls in 2000-01.
He then spent time as the Director of Recreation Sports at the University of California-San Francisco where he was in charge of 22 intramural and club sports programs which served over 2,500 graduate students, staff and faculty members.
In 2002 he transitioned to Boston College as the Manager of Intramural Sports, Camps and Clinics. In that role he supervised over 100 individuals, while increasing the participation from 4,000 participants and 24 offerings to more than 5,000 participants and 30 offerings.
“Clark University has a long history of academic excellence and athletic success,” said Sullivan. “As such, it is my plan to tap into this culture of achievement, by joining forces across campus, to help enhance the experiences of both the Clark student-athlete and recreational enthusiast alike.”
Sullivan earned a bachelor’s degree in American history in 1991 from the University of California-Santa Cruz. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco in Sports and Fitness Management. In 2004 he earned a graduate certificate in Leadership for Change from Boston College and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Higher Education Administration at Northeastern University.
“From the discussions that I’ve had with coaches, staff members, students and faculty, it is clear that Clark is ready for a new level of excellence and opportunity within the department,” he said. “This challenge is nothing but invigorating. I am thoroughly looking forward to getting started in February.”
Sullivan and his wife, Jennifer, were married in September 2010.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30 Seconds On The Clock With Sean Sullivan
1. Favorite Holiday And Why?
Thanksgiving – Spending time with family and dear friends, while also enjoying a multi-course meal and watching football … its hard to beat.
2. Best Book You’ve Read In The Last Year?
‘Band of Brothers’ by Stephen Ambrose – I am fascinated by the extreme levels of courage and selflessness a generation of young men and women offered without hesitation. We should all feel indebted to and could learn a great deal from these heroes.
3. Most Memorable Athletic Moment?
As a soccer player, squaring off against the Russian National team as they prepared for the 1994 World Cup. As men’s soccer coach at UC Santa Cruz, defeating Final Four squad Chapman University on their home field in 1996. As an administrator, watching sheer joy erupt on the faces of York’s student athletes as the final horn/whistle blows and they first realize they are conference champions. As a fan, Bill Mueller driving in Dave Roberts versus the Yankees in 2004.
4. Favorite Meal?
Anything bread related, pizza, sandwiches, even toast.
5. Describe Yourself In Three Words.
Dedicated, Responsible, Driven.
6. What Was Your Introduction To Sports As A Child?
Being signed up for youth soccer as a six year old in Palo Alto, CA after my parents realized that clay class couldn’t hold my attention. I was also fascinated by the Boston Bruins and specifically Gerry Cheevers’ stitched goalie mask of the 1970s.
7. If You Could Be Any Superhero, Who Would It Be And Why?
I’ve always been fascinated by and attracted to water. I also used to see how long I could hold my breath under water as a child. As a result, I’d like to be Aquaman. He never gets the credit he is due…
8. Favorite Vacation Spot?
Maui, Hawaii for its visual beauty, perfect weather and relaxed pace.
9. What’s The Thing You Are Most Looking Forward To In Moving To New England?
Beyond taking on such an exciting opportunity as the one at Clark, I feel fortunate to return to an area I lived in years ago and one filled with close family members. The fall foliage, the loyalty and strong community bonds that can only be found in New England as well as the simple opportunity to watch NESN will also be high points for me.
10. Favorite TV Show Of All-Time?
There are too many to pick just one. The Wire, Homicide-Life on the Street, Brotherhood, The Sporanos and Mad Men are a few of my recent favorites.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
