Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University Executive Director of Athletics
Kevin McHugh has announced his retirement, effective June 30. McHugh arrived at Stockton in July 2017 and headed the Osprey athletic department for four years. His retirement concludes a distinguished career in athletic administration that spanned more than four decades.
"We expected a lot from Kevin when he joined Stockton, and he more than delivered," said Stockton President Harvey Kesselman. "He led Stockton's athletic programs and student athletes to greater recognition. He kept the staff and athletes motivated and connected during the pandemic. His work on the Athletics Task Force Report has set the stage for athletics programs and facilities into the future. We wish him all the best on his retirement."
An interim Director of Athletics will be announced at a later date.
One of McHugh's most significant accomplishments while at Stockton was his work for the Task Force on Athletic Facilities at Stockton which was finalized after a comprehensive review of all athletic facilities on the campus. The report provides a long-term blueprint for the future growth and development of Stockton's athletics and recreation programs.
McHugh oversaw the rapid growth of the Stockton women's rowing program, which has risen quickly during his tenure. The program took great steps forward this spring, breaking into the CRCA national poll for the first time, winning their first-ever gold medal in the varsity eight at the Dad Vail Regatta and posting their highest finish ever at the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference Championships (second place).
McHugh shepherded Stockton Athletics through the COVID-19 pandemic and a return to play that saw 17 of the 19 intercollegiate Osprey teams compete during the Spring 2021 semester. Under his direction, women's golf was added as Stockton's 19th intercollegiate sport.
Additional successes during McHugh's four-year run include a pair of NJAC championships by the Stockton volleyball team plus the first-ever conference title and NCAA Tournament berth for the Stockton men's lacrosse program. New head coaches in women's rowing, baseball and women's basketball were hired while McHugh was at the helm.
"I have had a four decades-plus career in college athletics that most would envy and it has been my honor and privilege to crown that career at Stockton," McHugh said.
"I and my work here have benefited incredibly from the inspirational leadership and unflagging support of Dr. Kesselman, from the invaluable partnerships with my outstanding Cabinet colleagues and from the myriad engagements with the incomparable student-athletes and staff who make Stockton Athletics so extraordinary. Although it is time to move on to my next chapter, I will always keep the Ospreys close to my heart."
McHugh's illustrious career in college athletics includes 20 years as athletic director at The College of New Jersey (1987-2007) and 10 years in the same role at Bates College (2007-17). Earlier in his career, McHugh worked in facility and event management roles at Yale University (1979-83) and Bowling Green State University (1983-87).
A graduate of Columbia University, where he was a four-year letter winner and Ivy League First Team honoree in wrestling, McHugh served terms as vice-chair of the NCAA Division III Management Council, chair of the NCAA Wrestling Committee, member of the NACDA Executive Committee and president of both the NJAC and NESCAC.
McHugh is a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame as a contributor and the TCNJ Athletics Hall of Fame. His retirement after four years at Stockton completes a career in which he significantly impacted three NCAA Division III athletic programs and countless student-athletes in a positive manner.