Union, N.J. (6/17/20) – Kean University has announced that Kelly Williams has been named the Director of Athletics effective June 29, 2020.
Williams' background includes both coaching and athletic administrative experience, most recently at The College of New Jersey.
"I look forward to working with a wonderful and successful staff achieving academic excellence, creating a positive student-athlete experience, integrating the athletic programs with the campus and maintaining integrity as we strive for championships and strengthening Kean's winning culture", stated Williams.
Currently the Director of Community Relations at TCNJ, Williams has spent the last 25 years at TCNJ, first as the assistant director in the Office of Admissions from 1995-2008 before moving back into the athletic arena as the head men's basketball coach (2008-2015). He later served as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics.
He enjoyed his brightest season coaching at the college in 2015. The Lions went 15-11 overall, qualified for the conference playoffs and Williams was named 2014-15 New Jersey Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In his current position he serves as the Co-Chairperson of Diversity Equity Empowerment Pipeline (DEEP) at TCNJ. This committee facilitates the educational, cultural, and social development of middle and high school students by organizing programs that grant opportunities and prepares them for post-secondary education. Kelly continues to serve as a motivational speaker to students and athletes for high school and college programs on topics such as "Tools for Success" and "Winning the Game of Life".
Named the Senior Associate Director of Athletics/External Affairs in 2015, Williams oversaw game and event operations, marketing, camps and clinics, facility rentals, sports information, fundraising and managing day to day operations including teams and coaches. While serving in administrative roles, he graduated several NCAA programs including the selective 2018 NCAA Pathway Program and the NCAA Division III Institute for Administrative Advancement for Ethnic Minority Males and Females (2015). The Pathway Program is a year-long course for the top 25 emerging athletic administrators in college athletics across all divisions that prepares participants to run all facets of an athletic department.
Williams was a four year member of the Lions men's basketball team (1989-1993) scoring just shy of 1,000 points in his career. Shortly after graduation he served as an assistant men's basketball coach (1995-1999) at TCNJ before embarking on a successful, nine-year tenure (1999-2008) at Mercer County Community College in his first head coaching position. There he compiled a record of 154-100 and led the Vikings to six Garden State Athletic Conference championships, three National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Region XIX Finals appearances, which included one year that MCCC advanced to the District IX playoffs. In 2000, he was honored as the Junior College, Division II/III Coaching Staff of the Year by the New Jersey Collegiate Basketball Coaches Association.
"I'm happy for Kelly and this tremendous opportunity to lead the Kean athletic program", stated New Jersey Athletic Conference Commissioner Terry Small. "He's been a student-athlete, coach, and administrator in the NJAC, and he's personally excelled in each one of those roles. I'm also excited for Kean University, because they're getting a tremendous leader and an even better person. I have no doubt that the Cougar athletic program will be in good hands under Kelly's leadership."
Prior to his playing career for the Lions, Williams was a standout at Ewing High School (1,218 career points) and in 2008 was inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. He was also inducted into the Catholic Youth Organization (C.Y.O) Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
"I would like to thank the Kean University Leadership team for this unbelievable opportunity and I am extremely humble and excited to lead Kean University's Athletic programs", stated Williams.
Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from TCNJ in 1993.
As part of the department changes, the University has also announced that current Acting Athletic Director Matthew Caruso '99 has been named the acting Vice President for Student Affairs, effective immediately. A versatile member of the Kean University administration, he has held the posts of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President; Director of the Office of University Relations; Director of the University Center Administration; and the Coordinator of Special Events and Coordinator of Student Services in the Division of Student Affairs. While a student at Kean, he was president of both Student Organization and Graduate Student Government.
"I'd like to congratulate Matt and thank him for his service to the NJAC during his tenure as acting athletic director", stated Small. "There has probably never been a more challenging time in the history of intercollegiate athletics to lead an athletic department, and Matt did so with a level of grace and professionalism under the most difficult of circumstances."
As acting Athletics Director, Caruso oversaw efforts to improve marketing and branding of Kean Athletics to expand its reach and increase attendance at sports events, and took steps to improve the student-athlete experience with a strength and conditioning program, locker room and fitness center upgrades, and new buses.
"In all of my time at Kean, I've never had a more rewarding experience than the year I spent helping run Athletics", stated Caruso. "I was surrounded by an exceptional staff and amazing student-athletes who inspired me every single day. They will always occupy a special place in my heart."
