Erin Quinn, who has served as Middlebury College’s Director of Athletics for 20 years and has been part of the institution for 36 years, will retire at the end of the current academic year. The announcement was made by President Ian Baucom in a message to the Middlebury community.
Quinn, a 1986 graduate of Middlebury, began his career at the college as head men’s lacrosse coach before taking on the role of athletic director. He is recognized for his leadership in college athletics and commitment to fostering a strong culture within the department. “Erin has been a pillar of Middlebury and a steady and engaged national leader in college athletics for the past three decades, with a strong focus on building a vibrant culture, driven by excellence, grounded in shared values, always focused on the best for our students,” said Baucom.
During Quinn’s tenure as athletic director, Middlebury teams have achieved significant success: 19 NCAA Team Championships, 69 NESCAC team titles, and 29 NCAA Individual Champions. In addition to these achievements, Middlebury won the Learfield Directors’ Cup in 2012 and consistently placed in the top-10 throughout Quinn’s career. He was named Division III Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in 2021.
Baucom also highlighted Quinn’s dedication to both teaching and coaching. After earning an economics degree from Middlebury, Quinn received a master’s degree in teaching from Tufts University. Reflecting on his early career choices during a 2021 interview, Quinn noted that he initially debated between teaching and coaching before realizing they were closely connected.
Quinn is known for his active support of student-athletes both at competitions and academically. He co-founded the Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Middlebury, regularly guest lectured for MiddCORE, and served as co-chair for the Clifford Symposium. His efforts extended to fundraising initiatives such as advocating for endowed coaching positions and leading alumni engagement through events like the annual Panther Challenge since 2019.
Facility improvements overseen by Quinn include renovations to key athletic venues such as Bostwick Family Squash Center and Virtue Field House, along with upgrades to several other fields and complexes.
Before becoming athletic director, Quinn led Middlebury’s men’s lacrosse team to three consecutive NCAA Championships from 2000–2002 and six NESCAC titles with a record of 202-38. He was inducted into the New England Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2003. Earlier in his career he worked at Tufts University before returning to Middlebury.
Quinn plans to spend more time with his family but intends to remain involved with campus athletics after retirement. The college will organize events later this year to celebrate his contributions and will announce transition plans for new leadership in athletics as details become available.
“Please join me in thanking Erin for his tremendous service to Middlebury and in congratulating him on a well-deserved retirement,” Baucom concluded.
