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MEET THE DIRECTOR Joel Thirer Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics During Dr. Joel Thirer’s tenure as Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Binghamton University has seen unprecedented growth in the range and quality of the programs in his charge. Since Thirer’s arrival at Binghamton in 1989, the athletics program has undergone a complete metamorphosis. In the fall of 2001, Binghamton completed a five-year transition from Division III, through Division II and finally into Division I of the NCAA. Simultaneous to its admission into Division I, Binghamton secured membership in the America East Conference. In addition to Dr. Thirer's attention to athletics, the University's general education program in health and physical education has also continued to evolve. The HPE program strives to develop new and innovative curricular offerings that meet the health and wellness educational needs of Binghamton's students. In meeting the needs of the campus, student-athletes, alumni and the community at large, Thirer has enabled all to benefit from his vision and initiatives to advance the intercollegiate athletics program. striving to meet the needs of the campus, student athletes, alumni and the community at large, Thirer has enabled all to benefit from his vision and initiatives to advance the intercollegiate athletics program. |
Notable among Thirer’s achievements have been his activities
as an ambassador for Binghamton University. He continues to play
a key role in defining the mission of the athletics department,
as well as being an active spokesperson on behalf of the University.
He has been very active in community service, and has gone to
great lengths to reach out to BU alumni and area residents. The
Binghamton University Athletic Club and the Athletic Hall of
Fame were founded during Thirer’s administration, and he
initiated the first Colonial Open Golf Tournament (later the
BUAC Golf Tournament) during spring 1990. Thirer played a pivotal
role in the stretegic planning for the construction of BU’s
Events Center and the brand new "Bearcats Sports Complex,"
as well as in making substantial renovations to the West Gym.
Within the America East Conference, Thirer is a past chair
of the Athletic Directors Council and a member of the Conference
Strategic Planning Committee. He also chaired the search committee
for the Conference Commissioner position. Last June, Thirer was
recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Directors
of Athletics (NACDA) as the "Division I Athletic Director
of the Year" for the entire Northeast region. |
Thirer spent nine years at Southern Illinois University climbing
the professorial ranks and heading the school’s graduate
program in physical education. There, he established a national
reputation as a scholar in sport psychology. He then accepted
a department chairmanship at Illinois State University, and spent
the next four years in full-time administration. However, the
attachment to intercollegiate athletics always remained, and
Thirer found himself volunteering his time at both SIU and ISU,
assisting in a variety of athletic events. |
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