By Judy Eurich
LOCH SHELDRAKE — September 14, 2001 – Christopher DePew has been named the new Director of Athletics at Sullivan County Community College. DePew is currently a faculty member and coach at the college.
As Director of Athletics, DePew will be responsible for intercollegiate programs which currently include — men’s basketball and cross-country, and women’s volleyball, softball and basketball.
He will also supervise intramural, wellness and recreational programs for the campus community. DePew’s responsibilities will also include the supervision of the department’s ten-member staff and the coordination of the college’s athletic outreach programs for the community such as summer basketball camps, and evening league play.
In addition, DePew will chair the Region XV men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and will serve on various Region XV and National Junior College Athletic Association committees.
Commenting on his new appointment, DePew said, "As the new Director of Athletics, I’m looking forward to the challenge of rebuilding the program here at SCCC. Together with a brand new coaching and academic staff, I will be molding the vision for the future of the program and will strive to make it the best it can be for our students."
He added, "I am also very pleased with the confidence the College’s Administration has in my abilities to take the program forward."
The Athletic Department will be a significant part of the Enrollment Management and Student Development Division of SCCC.
Dean David Thomson says "Chris brings proven qualities to the position of AD. He has coaching experience, presented a good intramural program when directing that area and has taught courses for our Physical Education Program. He has good contacts within our area that will help with recruiting and developing programs with the larger community."
Added Thomson, "Chris comes to the position with goals, methods and the energy to implement them. I like his loyalty to the campus and the dedication he has to the students."
DePew began his career at SCCC in August 1998 as the College’s Director of Athletic Facilities, Recreation and Equipment.
He was responsible for all athletic facility management, the planning, organization and implementation of all men’s and women’s intramural programs, and the purchasing, inventory, scheduling and security of all college-owned equipment and uniforms.
He is the head coach of the varsity women’s softball team as well as the acting head coach of the men’s basketball team. DePew was also tapped as the chairman of the 2000 National Junior College Athletic Association Region XV women’s volleyball tournament and the 2001 Region XV men’s and women’s championship basketball tournaments.
Prior to joining SCCC, DePew was the Recreation, Parks and Youth Services Director of the Town of Rochester in Accord.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in Recreation/Sports Management from the State University of New York, College at Cortland, and an Associate of Applied Science in Recreation Leadership from Ulster County Community College. DePew begins a Master of Arts degree program at SUNY Empire State College this fall.
An active member of the community, DePew is the president and CEO of the Kerhonkson Fire Company, Inc. He is also co-chair of the SCCC High School Holiday Basketball Tournament and a member of the Town of Wawarsing Recreation Advisory Board, the Revitalize Kerhonkson Rail Trail Committee and the D & H Canal/O & W Railroad Restoration Committee.
DePew resides in Kerhonkson with his wife, Heather.