Joel Thirer Position: Director of Athletics Institution: Binghamton University

Now entering his 19th year at the helm of Binghamton's athletics program, Dr. Joel Thirer has spearheaded the department's rise from a small-scale Division III to a 21-sport Division I program that is one of the most successful in the America East Conference. During Joel Thirer's tenure as director of health, physical education and athletics, Binghamton has seen unprecedented growth in the range and quality of the programs in his charge.

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. The Binghamton University Athletics Club and the Athletics 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. Additionally, Dr. Thirer played a pivotal role in the design, planning, and construction of BU's new $33.1 million Events Center.

Thirer eventually completed his doctrate in exercise science and sport psychology at Florida State and embarked on a career in teaching and research. Dr. Thirer spent nine years at Southern Illinois climbing the professorial ranks and heading the school's graduate program in physical education. He then accepted a department chairmanship at Illinois State, and spent the next four years in full-time administration. However, Thirer found himself volunteering his time at both SIU and ISU, assisting in a variety of athletics events.

In 2007, Thirer was selected as the AstroTurf Division I Northeast Region Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

Also cited in NACDA's award selection was Thirer's creation of the Binghamton University Athletics Club and the Athletics Hall of Fame, along with his leadership in the design, planning and construction of the Events Center - one of the premier athletics facilities in the Northeast.

Thirer holds positions as a professor of health and physical education, and as an adjunct professor in Binghamton's psychology department.