Colby Names New Head of Athletics
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Commander to Lead Opening of College’s State-of-the-Art Facility
To continue to elevate its athletic activities and build a premier Division III program, Colby College announced today that Mike Wisecup has been named vice president and Harold Alfond Director of Athletics. Currently serving as Colby’s vice president for strategic initiatives, Wisecup also served as the inaugural presidential leadership fellow in the Office of the President at Colby.
Wisecup came to Colby in 2018 following a career as a commander in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a SEAL officer. As a combat veteran and a leader of multi-agency task forces focused on a wide range of important national security issues, he brings extensive experience in leading high-performing teams, operational management, and developing organizational cultures that foster excellence. He was a varsity swimmer at the U.S. Naval Academy and is currently an endurance athlete. Last week he was honored as the Maine Volunteer of the Year by the Maine Commission for Community Service for his work with Camp Sunshine.
“It is critical that we have strong leadership to maintain our momentum in athletics, especially as we look to open our new athletics center next fall,” said David A. Greene, president of Colby College. “We have made important investments in both facilities and the athletics program, and I am confident in Mike’s ability to ensure these commitments reach their full potential. He possesses the ambition, leadership qualities, and competitive nature to propel Colby’s athletics program to the top.”
The all-new athletics center is slated to open in 2020 and will be among the best Division III facilities in the nation. It will serve as a resource for the entire campus, as well as athletes in Waterville, the state of Maine, and New England. Highlights of the complex include the state’s only Olympic-sized pool, an indoor competition center with a 200-meter track, and a multi-level, 13,500-square-foot fitness area.
In his new role, Wisecup will oversee the transition into the new facility and the continued transformation of Colby athletics into one of the nation’s leading athletic programs. This will include developing strategies and processes to assess and improve quality and effectiveness across all areas of the program, increasing organizational focus, and facilitating collaboration regarding planning and execution. Wisecup replaces Jake Olkkola, who announced last week that he will be leaving the College for a new position.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Colby athletics, and I’m honored that President Greene asked me to apply my experience to this dynamic program,” said Wisecup. “The team of coaches and staff are not only very talented but they have a unique commitment to supporting a well-balanced, healthy, and inclusive athletic experience throughout the Colby community. I’m truly looking forward to collaborating with them to continue to build a highly competitive program.”
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Wisecup also earned an M.B.A. from the Indian Institute for Technology and Management in Mumbai, India. Among his many decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Valor, and the Purple Heart.
