Following a national search, Provost and Dean of Faculty Lori G. Kletzer announced today the appointment of Tim Wheaton as the next Harold Alfond Director of Athletics at Colby. Wheaton comes from Harvard, where he served as a coach and administrator over the last 30 years.

“We saw many qualified candidates,” said Kletzer. “Ultimately, Tim’s strong character, principled philosophies, and record of success led us to determine that he is the right person to lead Colby athletics during this important time.” Wheaton will begin his appointment Jan. 26, 2015.

Wheaton has served as associate director of athletics at Harvard since 2007. He began his Harvard career in 1985, first as an assistant coach for women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse, then as head coach of women’s soccer, where he guided the team to eight NCAA tournaments and four Ivy League championships in 18 years.

“Tim helps motivate people and remove the impediments to their success,” said Harvard’s Nichols Family Director of Athletics Robert L. Scalese. “He is a smart, hardworking, and respectful individual, and he will be a very good colleague of everyone as you pursue the opportunities that are in front of Colby athletics.”

In his capacity as Harvard’s associate athletic director, Wheaton oversaw seven varsity teams and the entire club sport program, was responsible for department-wide fundraising efforts, and served as lead administrator on major capital projects. He worked with the Harvard Varsity Club and was the athletic department’s primary liaison with the Harvard Alumni Association.

In his role as athletic director, Wheaton will provide leadership, direction, and operational management for Colby’s Department of Athletics, which manages 32 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams, recreational athletics, intramural sports, club sports, and a wide range of health and wellness activities. He will champion the support of Colby’s student-athletes as the College honors effort and perseverance, rewards self-discipline, encourages interpersonal exploration, and promotes mutual understanding in an effort to reach the highest levels of achievement and excellence.

“I am humbled by and grateful for the opportunity,” said Wheaton. “I am thrilled to be joining the Colby community and its talented students, faculty, coaches, administrators, and alumni. I want to thank President David Greene, Provost Lori Kletzer and the entire search committee for this opportunity. This is an exciting time for the College, and I look forward to building on current success towards what I know is a bright future.”

“Tim Wheaton is an open and honest leader who has the confidence and positive attitude needed to continue building a culture of excellence in all of athletics,” said Karen Henning, head coach of women’s lacrosse.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 56 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,825 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Waterville, Maine, location provides access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.