Goldey-Beacom College President Dr. Colleen Perry Keith Named Vice-Chair of the NCAA Division II Executive Board

Goldey-Beacom College Athletics (gbcathletics.com)

Posted by athletics: 1/23/2023 12:00:00 AM

Goldey-Beacom College President Dr. Colleen Perry Keith Named Vice-Chair of the NCAA Division II Executive BoardGoldey-Beacom College President Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, a longtime advocate of bettering student-athletes’ lives and a longtime voice within the NCAA, earlier this month was named Vice-Chair of the NCAA Division II Executive Board at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio, TX.

“Dr. Keith’s appointment is very important for the College and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference,” Director of Athletics Jeremy Benoit said. “Our President continues to make an impact on the College, but she always has her eyes set on the improvement of our community… whether that means our immediate community or a community as large as the NCAA membership. Her willingness to get involved at this level will continue to ensure that small colleges like Goldey-Beacom have their voice heard in the legislative process.  There is no one more well-read and capable to do that than she.”

In a statement by the NCAA, Dr. Keith also will serve on the Division II Administrative Committee and chair the Division II Planning and Finance Committee.  She is one of nine Presidents out of the 311 Division II institutions to be on the Executive Board (formerly known as the Presidents Council).

“Athletics plays a very important role at Goldey-Beacom College and I am excited to bring our voice, and that of small colleges like us, to the conversation,” Dr. Keith said.  “The Division II philosophy is ‘life in the balance’ and ‘make it yours’ – two statements that we align very closely with at GBC.”

The NCAA also announced two student-athletes would serve on the board, in addition to the Presidents and two independent members not salaried at an NCAA school.  This builds on the existing legislature that is student-athlete friendly and includes a vote from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) on all legislation, which only is represented in Division II among the three NCAA divisions.

One of the most affable people on campus, Dr. Keith has accomplished a great deal since her 2019 arrival in Pike Creek.  Among the many steps forward under her leadership include…

• Helping finalize completion of William A. Franta Hall, the campus’ latest residence hall.
• Helping finalize completion of the new cafeteria/lounge in addition to the opening of the new Event Center that has brought many people on to campus for the first time.
• Playing an instrumental role in reimagining academic programs and administrative roles on campus in betting the students experience and improving the work lives of the campus’ employees.
• Serving on The Partnership Board of Directors for the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
• Serving on the Board of Governors of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Vice-Chair of the Transform Mid-Atlantic.
• Serving as a board member of the Forum for Executive Women and the Wilmington Rotary Club, on the advisory council for the Fund for Women and on the steering committee for Million Women Mentors.

Her vision and determination continue to be a reinforcement of all the positives Goldey-Beacom College displays on campus, the Wilmington community and beyond.  Dr. Keith is the 14th President in GBC history and the first female President.  Her prior accomplishments include…

• Thirty-five years of higher education experience.
• President at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina from 2015-19.
• President of Spartanburg Methodist College from 2009-15.
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from SUNY, University Center at Binghamton (now Binghamton University).
• Master of Education Degree, Education Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh.
• Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University.