Bates College Names Stacey Bunting as Director of Athletics

LEWISTON, Maine –  Stacey Bunting will join Bates College as its new director of athletics, effective July 1. Bunting brings more than two decades of leadership experience in collegiate athletics and a proven track record of strategic innovation, stakeholder engagement, and championing student-athlete success.

Bunting comes to Bates from Princeton University, where she serves as senior associate director of athletics for external relations. In that role, she has overseen strategic communications, brand management, and engagement efforts across 38 varsity programs. She also serves as a sport administrator, supporting both program operations and student-athlete development. Her collaborative leadership has helped elevate Princeton's brand presence, drive revenue growth, and strengthen connections with alumni, fans, and the broader community.

"Stacey Bunting's student-centered approach and demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive culture embody the values that define Bates," said President Garry W. Jenkins. "Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Bates — one that will raise our outstanding athletics program to new heights."

Bunting has also held senior leadership roles at the University of Delaware and the University of Miami. Her accomplishments include launching nationally recognized brand strategies, guiding multi-million dollar capital initiatives, and leading major communications campaigns. At each institution, she has championed inclusive leadership practices, contributed to department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and mentored students and early-career professionals through both campus and national networks.

"I am honored to join the Bates community as the next director of athletics," Bunting said. "Bates is a place where excellence in academics, athletics, and recreation is not just valued, it is woven into the very fabric of campus life. The work we do is a privilege, and I am energized by the passion and spirit that define this campus. With the student experience at the heart of our mission, I am excited to help foster an environment where students and student-athletes alike are supported, challenged, and celebrated."

"My sincere thanks to President Jenkins, (V.P. for Student Affairs) Rosanna Ferro, and the search committee for their trust and confidence. I am also deeply grateful to the mentors, colleagues, family, and friends whose support has been invaluable throughout my career — this opportunity would not be possible without them."

Bunting began her athletics career at the University of Miami, focusing on revenue generation and audience development. At Delaware, she expanded into college advancement, launching and leading the Athletics Annual Fund and overseeing strategic giving initiatives to enhance athletic programming.

"Stacey is an exceptional leader whose breadth of experience, strategic mindset, and student-centered approach will be an asset to Bates," Ferro said. "She brings not only deep expertise in external relations and organizational management, but also a clear commitment to the values that define our athletics program — academic excellence, integrity, and community. We're thrilled to welcome her to Bates."

Beyond her campus roles, Bunting has been an active contributor to the broader collegiate athletics community, serving on national and institutional committees focused on leadership development and the evolving landscape of external relations. She has consistently prioritized strengthening the role of athletics and recreation within the higher education experience.

"Stacey is a smart, dynamic and thoughtful leader," said John Mack, Princeton University Ford Family Director of Athletics. "Her unique combination of creative passion and strong strategic vision have helped to transform our department and University. This is a tremendous loss for Princeton, but I'm thrilled for Stacey and her family as she takes this well-deserved next step in her career. Simply put, Bates has hired a winner."

A graduate of the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in sports management, Bunting is also completing a master of science in organizational leadership at Wilmington University.

The national search for Bates' next director of athletics was overseen by a committee of Bates faculty,  staff, and students, chaired by Ferro, with assistance from Parker Executive Search, a nationally recognized executive search firm with deep experience recruiting exceptional leaders in athletics and higher education.