General | 8/25/2026 1:59:00 PM
ALFRED, NY—
Kim Harvey, Vice President for Student Experience at Alfred University, announced the appointment of
Adam Hertz as Director of Athletics & Recreation, effective September 14.
Hertz comes to Alfred University with more than 20 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics as a coach, professor and athletic director. Most recently, he served as interim director of athletics at Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
"Adam distinguished himself throughout the search process as a collaborative leader who understands the important role athletics plays in student development, campus engagement and institutional success," Harvey said. "His commitment to student-athlete achievement, both in competition and in the classroom, aligns strongly with Alfred University's mission and values. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue to strengthen Saxon Athletics and further advance a vibrant and connected student experience at Alfred University."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join the Alfred family and excited to step into this role with such a committed group of coaches and athletic staff already in place. The people, the tradition, and the recent investments in facilities, the commitment to successful athletics, make it a special place," Hertz said, who holds a Bachelor's in Communications from University of Redlands and a Master's in Sports Management from Temple University. "I'm thrilled to call Alfred my new home and look forward to partnering with so many good people across the community to ensure growth and success for Alfred Athletics."
Prior to Knox, Hertz served as Director of Athletics at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD, and as Associate Vice President, Marian Ware Director of Athletics, at Swarthmore College. At Swarthmore, he helped transform the department into a model program in terms of both competitive athletic and academic achievement. During his tenure, Swarthmore teams won 21 Centennial Conference championships. The Garnet also enjoyed success at the national level, advancing as high as the NCAA national championship game and making the "Sweet 16" round of national tournaments on more than a dozen occasions. Two dozen athletes were named Academic All-Americans and 63 received All-American honors.
Prior to his arrival at Swarthmore, Hertz spent five years as the Director of Athletics and Head Men's Soccer Coach, Women's Soccer Coach and Golf Coach at Alvernia University in Reading, PA. Before Alvernia, Hertz spent four years as the Head Men's Soccer and Golf Coach at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA.
"I have had the good fortune of working at several liberal arts colleges and universities—running departments, supporting student-athletes, handling compliance, facilities, fundraising and working closely with the rest of campus," Hertz said of his experience as an athletics administrator. "Those experiences taught me that the best programs treat athletics as part of the bigger, holistic student experience, not a separate entity."
Hertz said strong athletics and recreation offering enhance the overall student experience and overall well-being of institutions of high education.
"I believe athletics as integral to the educational experience of those who have the opportunity to continue to pursue their lifelong passion," he said. "A positive and successful intercollegiate program can bring a sense of pride to campus community and alumni base. But that must also be supplemented with a robust recreational wellness program that is available to the entire community."
Hertz lists among his immediate priorities at Alfred as getting to know the student-athletes, coaches and staff and other campus partners; building on what is working; and creating a long-term vision for the athletics program moving forward.
"We want to create a developmental and positive experience for those involved and create a championship culture for athletics without compromising academic integrity. We will also want to develop programming to make the most of Saxon Hill and our other facilities, grow fundraising so we can continue to grow and improve and make sure the department stays collaborative, ethical and focused on the whole student. Hertz said, noting that his long-term goals include improved retention rates, stronger teams, and a program that really feels central to the Alfred experience."