The search for a full-time Goshen College athletic director has been narrowed to four candidates.

Among the top candidates is current interim athletic director, Erica Albertin, who has handled the athletic director duties since the spring of 2020. Robert C. Cole, Jr., Phillip Miller and Kevicia A. Brown are also in consideration for the position. 

Each candidate was invited to campus to participate in a day and a half interview as a part of their evaluation process. The interviews will be conducted through Mar. 30. 

In charge of the selection process will be the GC search committee. The committee is composed of various members of the Goshen College community, including head coaches  Rustin Nyce (cross country and track and field), Stephanie Miller (women’s basketball), Justin Crew (women’s soccer) and Victor Newberg (men’s soccer). 

Administration and faculty members will also be involved in the selection process. 

Beyond the GC coaching staff and those directly related to the athletic director position, members of the Student Athletic Advisory Council, Office of Advancement, Office of the President, teaching faculty and the campus community are set to meet and hold an interview with each candidate in order to achieve an understanding of the candidates’ skill sets.

According to Gilberto Pérez, Jr., dean of students, over 30 candidates applied for the position before the search was narrowed down to four individuals. Each candidate must display a variety of characteristics in order to be considered for the position. 

These necessary qualities include a clear understanding of the Goshen College mission and purpose as well as the ability to diversify within the athletic department. The incoming athletic director will need to show dedication to equity and inclusion, have recruiting experience and possess strong leadership qualities. The candidates must also have a focus on improving academic achievement, knowledge of the Goshen College athletic system and finally, previous experience as an athletic director. 

“The athletic director is an athletic administration position, which means it involves a lot of strategic planning, execution of strategic plans and administration of programs,” Pérez, Jr. said. 

“The athletic director relies on athletic staff to ensure the work of developing student-athlete potential and engagement with the rest of the student body. The search committee feels it is extremely important to build stronger bonds between athletics and academics.”

According to Pérez, Jr., GC intends to make their decision by the middle of April, with a start date of July 1.