UPEI names Huggan as Director of Athletics and Recreation
The University of Prince Edward Island has announced Chris Huggan as its new Director of Athletics and Recreation after a community-based search process.
Huggan will direct the Department of Athletics and Recreation, which includes nine varsity teams, numerous club teams, and intramural and fitness programming, along with the management of state-of-the-art facilities such as UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, and Artificial Turf Field. UPEI has almost 200 student-athletes competing in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) system.
'Chris is passionate about UPEI's mission to provide our students with outstanding competitive and recreational sport opportunities while supporting them in their pursuit of academic excellence,' said Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance and chair of the search committee. 'Having Chris join us to oversee the Department is exciting for our students, staff, alumni, and our Island sports community as he brings significant experience and knowledge from having worked in an atmosphere that combines academics with sport.'
Huggan acquired experience working in an educational environment over the last nine years, teaching physical education and managing the athletics department at Colonel Gray High School. He also taught abroad for four years. In his role at Colonel Gray, he works in collaboration with the PEI School Athletic Association, the English Language School Board, and the Department of Education in relation to school sport.
'Chris' collaborative leadership style and approach to developing students will be a welcomed addition to the department,' said Podger. 'I thank the selection committee with UPEI Panther community members Dave MacNeill (lead consultant for UPEI Athletics Review), Tracy Ellsworth (Principal, St. Jean Elementary), Tony Sauer (Wealth Advisor, Scotia McLeod), Norman Beck (Principal, Stonepark Intermediate School), and UPEI staff representatives Jonathan Oliver (Director, Ancillary Services) and Lewis Page (Head Coach, UPEI Men's Soccer) for their contributions to the process.'
Huggan has served as president of the PEI Physical Education Association and has coached a variety of sports and teams at elite and entry levels, including assistant coach of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games basketball team. He was volunteer co-director for the sport of Athletics for the 2009 Canada Summer Games on Prince Edward Island and has been active with UPEI Basketball's Green and White Club.
'I am excited about the opportunity and challenge of becoming the Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI,' said Huggan. 'I look forward to working with the student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff to continue to grow and improve our University athletics programs. I see a bright future for UPEI Panther Sport, one that will connect not only the university students, but the youth and adult populations across our province.'
Huggan holds a degree in Education from the University of New Brunswick and a Master of Physical Education degree from Memorial University. He will begin his duties at UPEI on November 10.
For information:
Nicole Phillips
Manager, Marketing and Communications
University of Prince Edward Island
Office: (902) 566-0947 Cellular: (902) 388-1832
Email: nphillips@upei.ca
