Coleman Named Western New Mexico's Next Athletic Director

Courtesy Victoria Stimac, WNMU Assistant AD

Vice president of business affairs Sherri Bays announced the promotion of Mark Coleman as the new Western New Mexico University director of athletics Tuesday. In addition to his director duties, Coleman will remain in charge of the men’s basketball program.

Coleman headed to the Southwest and NCAA Division II in 2003 to take over as the man in charge of the Mustangs’ men’s basketball program. In July 2011, Coleman added the title of WNMU director of athletics to his resume. In total, Coleman has spent nearly 30 years of his professional career in collegiate athletics.

Since his arrival at WNMU, Coleman has taken the men’s basketball team to two RMAC playoffs (2008 and 2011) while playing a very competitive non-conference schedule that included many trips to Hawaii and NCAA Division I schools.

Coleman came to WNMU after spending eight seasons at Drew University in New Jersey. In 1996-1997, he earned Coach of the Year honors after leading his Drew University Rangers to a 19-9 record and their first ever ECAC Championship.

Prior to Drew, Coleman spent eight years as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh where he handled much of the recruiting and scouting for the Panthers. While at Pitt, Coleman helped guide the team to five NCAA appearances as well as two Big East titles. Prior to his tenure at Pitt, Coleman served as an assistant coach at Canisius College, the University of Vermont, and George Mason University where he helped guide the Patriots to its first NIT appearance in school history.

Throughout his tenure of coaching, Coleman has coached seven NBA players, including former New York Knick Charles Smith and the Vancouver Grizzlies’ Eric Mobley, and produced multiple all-conference players.

As a player, the 1983 St. Lawrence University grad was a team captain and MVP as a senior. He was also a three-year all-conference selection and led the Saints to two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances.

Coleman received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.

“I am very pleased to have this opportunity to be director of athletics at Western New Mexico University. Since I arrived in 2003, I have seen the athletic department grow in many different ways. I hope to continue what Scott Woodard has done and make WNMU not only one of the best in the RMAC but also competitive on the national level while also graduating quality student-athletes,” says Coleman.