How did Suzanne Coffey impact student life at Amherst College. What were her key achievements during her tenure. Why was her appointment initially controversial. How will Amherst search for her replacement.
Suzanne Coffey’s Remarkable Journey at Amherst College
Suzanne Coffey, a prominent figure in higher education, has announced her retirement after a distinguished career spanning 35 years, with 12 of those years dedicated to Amherst College. Her tenure at Amherst has been marked by significant contributions and transformative initiatives that have shaped the institution’s landscape.
Key Positions Held at Amherst
- Athletic Director (2006-2014)
- Campus Title IX Leader (2012-2014)
- Chief Student Affairs Officer (2014-2018)
Coffey’s journey at Amherst began in 2006 when she took on the role of Athletic Director. Her leadership qualities and dedication to student welfare soon led to her appointment as the campus Title IX leader in 2012. In 2014, she transitioned into the groundbreaking position of Chief Student Affairs Officer, becoming the first person to hold this title at Amherst.
Transforming Student Life: Coffey’s Major Accomplishments
During her tenure as Chief Student Affairs Officer, Suzanne Coffey made significant strides in enhancing student life at Amherst College. Her efforts went “far above and beyond” the initial expectations set for her two-year commitment, as noted by President Biddy Martin.
The Greenway Dormitories Project
One of Coffey’s most notable achievements was her involvement in developing the new Greenway dormitories. These innovative living spaces were designed with a specific purpose in mind. How do the Greenway dormitories benefit students. They encourage social interaction and foster a shared sense of responsibility among students for their living spaces, overall well-being, and campus experience.
Enhancing Community Spirit
Beyond the Greenway project, Coffey consistently sought ways to improve the sense of community on campus. Her work with residential halls was just one facet of her broader mission to create a more cohesive and supportive environment for all students at Amherst.
The Controversial Beginnings of Coffey’s Tenure
While Suzanne Coffey’s contributions to Amherst College have been significant, her appointment as Chief Student Affairs Officer in 2014 was not without controversy. Several factors contributed to the initial resistance from some members of the college community.
The Athletic Culture Debate
In 2013, Coffey found herself at the center of a heated debate regarding the relationship between male athletics and campus culture. Professor Thomas Dumm of the Political Science department published an opinion article in The Student, suggesting an investigation into “the connection between male athletics and rape culture.” Coffey’s response, which praised student-athletes’ accomplishments and refuted Dumm’s claims, made her a controversial figure on campus.
Concerns Over Appointment Transparency
The announcement of Coffey’s appointment as Chief Student Affairs Officer in 2014 coincided with the unexpected departure of former Dean of Students Jim Larimore. This timing led many students to perceive a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. What actions did students take in response. Some organized protests, while the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) passed a resolution expressing “grave concern” over the decision and requesting more consultation with the student body.
The Search for Coffey’s Successor: A Collaborative Effort
As Suzanne Coffey prepares to retire, Amherst College has initiated a comprehensive search process to find her replacement. The college aims to have a new Chief Student Affairs Officer in place by July 1, 2018, demonstrating their commitment to a smooth transition.
The Search Committee Composition
The search for Coffey’s successor is being led by a diverse committee co-chaired by Dean of Faculty Catherine Epstein and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Norm Jones. The committee’s composition reflects the college’s commitment to inclusive decision-making:
- 3 senior staff members
- 2 professors
- 3 staff members
- 3 students
Professional Assistance in the Search
To ensure a thorough and effective search process, Amherst College has enlisted the services of Isaacson, Miller, a renowned recruiting firm. This firm will work closely with the search committee throughout the process, from identifying potential candidates to facilitating campus visits and final reviews.
Timeline and Process
The search process is expected to follow a structured timeline:
- Initial meetings with different campus constituencies
- Compilation of potential candidates by Isaacson, Miller
- Narrowing down to three candidates (around February or March)
- Campus visits by final candidates
- Final review and decision
The Importance of Student Involvement in the Search Process
Amherst College recognizes the value of student input in selecting the next Chief Student Affairs Officer. To facilitate this, the college has organized opportunities for student participation in the search process.
Student Meeting with Isaacson, Miller
A meeting has been scheduled for students to engage directly with representatives from Isaacson, Miller. This session, limited to 50 students, will take place on October 26 at 7 p.m. It provides a valuable opportunity for students to voice their opinions and contribute to the search process.
Alternative Ways for Student Input
Recognizing that not all interested students may be able to attend the meeting, the college has provided additional channels for input. Students are encouraged to write to the search committee with their opinions, ensuring that a wide range of student voices are heard during the selection process.
Reflecting on Coffey’s Impact and Looking Ahead
As Suzanne Coffey’s tenure at Amherst College comes to a close, her legacy as the first Chief Student Affairs Officer has solidified the importance of this position within the institution. Dean Epstein expressed hope that Coffey’s successor will continue to build on her work, particularly in helping to “bridge divides on campus.”
Coffey’s Enduring Influence
Despite the initial controversy surrounding her appointment, Coffey’s dedication to improving student life and fostering a sense of community has left an indelible mark on Amherst College. Her work on initiatives like the Greenway dormitories and her efforts to enhance the overall campus experience will continue to benefit students for years to come.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Chief Student Affairs Officer
The incoming Chief Student Affairs Officer will have the opportunity to build upon Coffey’s foundations while addressing ongoing challenges. What are some key areas the new officer might focus on? Potential priorities could include:
- Further enhancing inclusivity and diversity initiatives
- Continuing to improve residential life and campus community
- Addressing evolving student needs in a post-pandemic world
- Strengthening relationships between various campus constituencies
Suzanne Coffey’s Earlier Career: From Bates to Amherst
Before her impactful tenure at Amherst College, Suzanne Coffey had already established herself as a respected figure in collegiate athletics administration. Her move to Amherst was preceded by a significant career at Bates College, where she left an equally lasting impression.
21 Years of Dedication at Bates College
Coffey’s career in higher education administration began at Bates College, where she served for an impressive 21 years in the Athletic Department. Her final role at Bates was as the Director of Athletics, a position from which she resigned to take on the Athletic Director role at Amherst College in 2006.
A Difficult Decision
Coffey’s decision to leave Bates for Amherst was not taken lightly. In her own words, “This was a difficult decision. It will not be easy leaving many talented and excellent colleagues and friends.” However, she also expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, “I do find this move energizing at this point in my career, and I am eager to start at Amherst.”
Recognition of Coffey’s Contributions at Bates
Coffey’s departure from Bates was met with high praise from the institution’s leadership. Then-President of Bates College, Elaine Tuttle Hansen, lauded Coffey for her accomplishments, acknowledging her significant contributions to the college over her two-decade tenure.
Transition and Legacy at Bates
Following Coffey’s resignation, Bates Associate Director of Athletics Dana Mulholland stepped in as interim athletic director. The college initiated a national search to find a permanent replacement, recognizing the big shoes left to fill by Coffey’s departure.
The Evolution of Suzanne Coffey’s Career: From Athletics to Student Affairs
Suzanne Coffey’s career trajectory demonstrates a remarkable evolution from athletics administration to broader student affairs leadership. This transition reflects not only her personal growth but also the changing landscape of higher education administration.
From Athletic Director to Chief Student Affairs Officer
Coffey’s journey at Amherst College began in athletics, mirroring her role at Bates. However, her responsibilities quickly expanded beyond sports. How did Coffey’s role evolve at Amherst? She transitioned from Athletic Director to Campus Title IX Leader, and finally to the pioneering position of Chief Student Affairs Officer. This progression showcases her ability to adapt and take on increasingly complex challenges in student welfare and campus life.
Bridging Athletics and Student Affairs
Coffey’s background in athletics provided a unique perspective in her role as Chief Student Affairs Officer. Her experience likely informed her approach to fostering community, promoting student well-being, and addressing campus culture issues. This blend of athletics and broader student affairs expertise allowed her to bring a holistic view to her leadership role.
Navigating Controversies and Challenges
Throughout her career, Coffey demonstrated an ability to navigate complex and sometimes controversial issues. Her defense of student-athletes in response to concerns about campus culture, while controversial, also highlighted her commitment to supporting students and addressing difficult topics head-on.
As Suzanne Coffey’s chapter at Amherst College comes to a close, her legacy serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have on an institution. From her early days as Athletic Director to her transformative work as Chief Student Affairs Officer, Coffey’s contributions have helped shape the Amherst College experience for countless students. As the college looks to the future, the lessons learned and foundations laid during Coffey’s tenure will undoubtedly influence the direction of student affairs for years to come.
Suzanne Coffey Announces Retirement | The Amherst Student
After 35 years in higher education, 12 of which she spent at Amherst College, Chief Student Affairs Officer Suzanne Coffey will retire at the end of this year. President Biddy Martin announced her retirement and the start of the search for a replacement in an email to the college community on Oct. 17. The college aims to secure a new chief student affairs officer by July 1, 2018, according to Dean of the Faculty Catherine Epstein.
According to Martin, Coffey first came to Amherst as the athletic director, a position she held from 2006 to 2014. In 2012, she became the campus Title IX leader, and transitioned into the role of chief student affairs officer — the first person in this position — in 2014.
Martin promoted Coffey to her current position, intending for it to be a two-year commitment. Working to improve student life, Coffey went “far above and beyond what I hoped she might achieve in the two-year stint I asked her to accept,” Martin wrote.
Coffey focused on residential life and helped develop the new Greenway dormitories, designed to encourage social interaction and enhance students’ shared sense of responsibility for living spaces, well-being and campus experience, Martin said. Coffey’s work with the residential halls is one of the many ways she sought to improve the sense of community on campus.
The search for a replacement is co-chaired by Dean of Faculty Catherine Epstein and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Norm Jones. The college has hired recruiting firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in the process, and the firm will work alongside the search committee once the college has finalized its members, which will include three senior staff members, two professors, three staff members and three students.
The search committee and Isaacson, Miller will meet independently with different constituencies, according to Epstein. The two groups will meet to discuss what the community is looking for in a replacement, and the search firm will assemble potential candidates.
Epstein said the search will be consolidated to three candidates sometime around February or March. The candidates will each visit the campus before undergoing reviews for a final decision.
Coffey’s term as the first chief student affairs officer solidified the importance of the position, and Epstein said in an interview that she hopes the replacement will help “bridge divides on campus.”
In 2013, Coffey defended the college’s athletes in response Professor of Political Science Thomas Dumm’s opinion article in The Student suggesting the college investigate “the connection between male athletics and rape culture.” Her response praising student-athletes’ other accomplishments and denying Dumm’s claims made her a controversial figure on campus.
Many students perceived her 2014 appointment as lacking transparency, as the news was made public on the same day former Dean of Students Jim Larimore announced his unexpected departure. Some students staged a protest in response to the announcement, and the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) passed a resolution expressing “grave concern” over the decision and requesting consultation with the student body.
Students looking to get involved in the search for the new chief student affairs officer can attend a meeting with Isaacson, Miller on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. The meeting is limited to 50 students, but students are welcome to write to the committee with their opinions.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the search committee for Chief Student Affairs Officer Suzanne Coffey’s replacement will include seven faculty members, one professor and three students. The committee will be comprised of three senior staff members, two professors, three staff members and three students. This story was updated at 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 25 to reflect this change.
Athletic Director Suzanne Coffey resigns to take AD post at Amherst | News
After 21 years with the Bates College Athletic Department, Director of Athletics Suzanne Coffey has announced her resignation to become athletic director at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass.
“This was a difficult decision,” Coffey said.
“It will not be easy leaving many talented and excellent colleagues and friends. But I do find this move energizing at this point in my career, and I am eager to start at Amherst.”
Coffey has been on leave since March to implement the 2006 World Scholar-Athlete Games with the Institute for International Sport in Providence, R.I. She will begin her duties at Amherst on Aug. 1.
Bates Associate Director of Athletics Dana Mulholland will serve as interim athletic director while a national search is conducted for Coffey’s replacement.
Bates President Elaine Tuttle Hansen lauded Coffey for her accomplishments. “Suzanne has worked so very ably for three different Bates presidents, and I know my predecessors join me expressing our gratitude for her longstanding dedication to this College and its student-athletes,” said Hansen. “We are sorry to lose her leadership, but wish her all the best at Amherst.”
Bates Vice President for Academic Administration Jill N. Reich said Coffey built an outstanding athletic department that advances students as athletes and scholars.
“Suzanne has developed a coaching staff with the talent to build Bates’ standing in the Directors’ Cup and our place in NESCAC. At the same time our coaches work with faculty to support our students’ intellectual pursuits and civic engagement. Her thoughtful leadership and collegial management leave a strong department ready to take on the challenge of her departure. Our colleagues at Amherst will appreciate her consistently high standards of professionalism and creative problem-solving.”
Reich noted that during the last 10 years of Coffey’s tenure, Bates has consistently finished in the top 20 percent of all Division III sports programs, as measured by national Director’s Cup standings. Bates is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference, along with Amherst, Bowdoin, Colby, Connecticut, Hamilton, Middlebury, Trinity, Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan. NESCAC members are reliably found in the U.S. News & World Report‘s list of the top 25 best American liberal arts colleges and in the Directors’ Cup top 25 percent of Division III athletic programs.
Coffey was appointed director of athletics and chair of the department of physical education at Bates in 1991. During this time, Coffey rose to several positions of national leadership in collegiate athletics for which she received numerous awards and honors. Currently a member of the NCAA’s association-wide Diversity Leadership Task Force, Coffey held the top Division III post as chair of the Management Council in 2004-05. In 2003-04, she was vice chair of the council and a member of key working groups that formulated NCAA reforms designed to align practices at member institutions more closely with Division III philosophy. She has also served on the association-wide Executive Committee, as well as the Championships and Budget committees.
She is active in enhancing educational development opportunities for student-athletes at the regional and national level, and since March has served as interim vice president of the Institute for International Sport, in Kingston, R.I., where she is commissioner of the 2006 World Scholar-Athlete Games.
