At the 2015 United State Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Convention in June, Penn State Beaver Director of Athletics and Softball Coach Andy Kirschner was named USCAA Board of Directors’ President, succeeding Matt Richards (Southern Maine Community College) who had served in the role since 2011.
“I am honored and excited to lead the USCAA Board for the next two years,” stated Kirschner. “I am optimistic about the direction the organization is heading, and look forward to working with such a talented staff at the National Office as well as the USCAA Board of Directors.”
As President of the Board, Kirschner’s role will include chairing Board of Directors’ meetings, presiding over the business meeting at the National Convention, and working alongside the USCAA National Office with regard to the daily operations of the association. He will serve a two-year appointment as association President.
Kirschner will also lead the new USCAA Executive Council, a body within the Board of Directors consisting of the President, Executive Vice President, and Immediate Past President. The Executive Council is intended to provide natural succession from Vice President to President and President to Immediate Past President, ensuring a continued structure of leadership for the USCAA. Each officer serves two year terms before transitioning to the next role in the council.
Klint Pleasant (Rochester College) will serve as the Executive Vice President, and will take over as President in July of 2017. Richards will transition to the role of Immediate Past President, where he will serve as an advisor to Kirschner during his presidency. The Immediate Past President will not hold voting power within the Board of Directors.
Joining the Board of Directors for 2015 will be Katie Bishop (Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) and Mike Fischer (Great Bay Community College).
“It is an honor and great opportunity to have been elected by my peers to serve on the USCAA Board of Directors. This is an exciting time for the USCAA as the organization continues to grow on a national level promoting small college athletics. I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to the future direction and growth of the USCAA,” said Bishop.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of the USCAA!” said Fischer. “I am humbled by the opportunity to work with the dedicated men and women on the USCAA Board of Directors and at the USCAA National Office. I look forward to playing my part in helping the USCAA become the premier intercollegiate athletic association for small colleges across the country!”
Both individuals were nominated by the membership, recommended by the Board of Directors, and confirmed by the membership during the 2015 National Convention. Selected as replacements to Dave Gonyea (Central Maine Community College) and Bill Casto (USCAA Executive Director), Bishop and Fischer will serve four year terms on the Board.
“Katie Bishop and Michael Fischer are outstanding additions to the USCAA Board of Directors. They both will add valuable perspective to the Board, and contribute positively to the growth and development of the USCAA. We appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to benefitting from their insight.” said USCAA Executive Director, Matthew Simms.
The USCAA is a national organization that exists to provide quality athletic competition on a regional and national level. The USCAA focuses specifically on smaller institutions of higher learning and their student-athletes. The organization aim’s to enhance member institutions through athletics, by conducting national championships, naming All-Americans, recognizing scholar athletes, and promoting member institutions.
For more information on the USCAA, please visit theuscaa.com.