Cory Beddick will lead the Golden Wolves' 31 Division III athletic programs
Alvernia names Cory Beddick its new director of athletics and recreation following a nationwide search. In his role, Beddick will lead Alvernia’s 31 Division III athletic programs and oversee the university’s recreation programs.
"Cory's proven leadership, forward-thinking vision, and passionate commitment to student success make him the ideal choice to advance Alvernia's Athletics and Recreation programs," said Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. "His inclusive and developmental approach exemplifies the spirit of Alvernia — where compassionate leadership and academic distinction drive the holistic growth of every student. We are delighted to welcome him to our community and look forward to the extraordinary contributions he will make."
Currently the head baseball coach at Gettysburg College, Beddick will begin his role in early June as Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Bill Stiles transitions from Alvernia to join the Hill School.
"Cory brings not only coaching acumen but also strategic and operational leadership from across multiple institutions," said Alvernia Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John R. McCloskey, Jr., DBA. "His success in program development, fundraising, and student engagement makes him uniquely equipped to lead Alvernia Athletics at a time of great momentum and growth. We are confident in his ability to build on our strong foundation that Bill Stiles has carefully and passionately shaped over the past 16 years. We wish Bill the best of luck as we prepare for an exciting new chapter with Cory at the helm."
Beddick brings 12 years of professional experience at the Division III level to Alvernia. Prior to his current role at Gettysburg, Beddick was an assistant athletic director at both Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland and Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.
"I am fortunate enough to have spent my entire professional career at high-academic, liberal arts institutions that also compete at the Division III level," said Beddick. "I was immediately drawn to Alvernia because of the focus on the development of the student-athlete as a whole and how that philosophy fits into the Division III model."
Beddick joined Gettysburg College in July of 2022 to join the Bullets as their head baseball coach. Beddick played collegiately at Gettysburg and earned his bachelor's degree in political science in 2010. He has made his mark in a short time in his third season at the helm of Gettysburg. Beddick led the Bullets to their best season in over a decade this year, and has amassed a 65-56 record over three years. The Bullets got off to a 21-1 start to their season this year, and were ranked as high as #13 in Division III. Their 13th place ranking marked the highest ranking for the Bullets in program history.
Beddick broke fundraising records with the Bullets' baseball program and raised over $100,000 for charitable organizations while at Gettysburg. Off the field, his student-athletes have excelled in the classroom, earning ABCA Team Academic Honors in each of his seasons with Gettysburg.
"I will work tirelessly to make sure our current and future student-athletes and coaches are supported, developed, and that their athletic experience at Alvernia sets them up for success in the future," said Beddick. "We will work hard to recruit and develop the next generation of Golden Wolves that will make a positive impact on the campus community."
Before Gettysburg, Beddick had stops as the head coach at both Hood College and Washington College and has nearly 220 wins in his 11 seasons across Division III baseball. At Hood, Beddick was selected as the first head coach in program history when the Blazers announced the addition of baseball back in 2013. He quickly made Hood a competitive team in the MAC Commonwealth, and was named the 2016 MAC Commonwealth Coach of the Year. After three seasons and four years at Hood, Beddick moved onto the Centennial Conference and joined Washington College. Over five seasons at Washington, Beddick led the Shoreman to their first Centennial Conference postseason appearance, received top-25 votes on multiple occasions, and led the team to their winningest season in 2019. Beddick then departed Washington to return to his alma mater, Gettysburg College.
While at both Hood and Washington, Beddick was also the Assistant Athletic Director. At Hood College, where he became familiar with the Middle Atlantic Conference, Beddick had direct oversight of 11 programs, 10 full-time coaches, and over 30 part-time staff members. He also served as the admissions counselor for athletics and had budget and facility management responsibilities. At Washington, Beddick oversaw NCAA compliance for all 18 athletic programs, worked in retention, and was the liaison between the athletics department and admissions office. He also served as the Baseball Sport Chair for the Centennial Conference while at Washington.
"I am most excited for the relationships that I will be able to build across the campus community, but mainly with our coaches, staff, and student-athletes," added Beddick. "My family and I are extremely grateful and excited to lead the Alvernia Athletic Department," said Beddick. "It is a life changing opportunity for us. We would like to thank President Fitzgerald, Dr. John McCloskey, Tom Minick, and the search committee for their trust in me. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to help our coaches, staff, student-athletes and teams reach their potential."
Beddick is a native of central Pennsylvania, having attended Hempfield High School prior to his collegiate career at Gettysburg. He also spent time in Erie, Pennsylvania while earning his Masters in Business Administration at Penn State Behrend.
Beddick and his wife, Coleen, are parents to their three-year-old son, Nolan, and five-year-old GoldenDoodle, Lu.
"I wouldn't be here without my family," said Beddick. "I would like to thank my wife, Coleen — my best friend and the best partner I could ask for — and my parents and extended family for their unwavering support. I am excited for my family, specifically our son Nolan, to be able to grow up in this supportive and engaged community."
"I also would like to thank my parents and the rest of my family for their unwavering support," added Beddick. "I have been fortunate to have been hired by and worked for three talented and committed Athletic Directors whom I consider mentors. Thank you to Coach Dickman (Hood), Thad Moore (Washington), and Mike Mattia (Gettysburg). Finally, I want to thank all of the assistant coaches and Blazers, Shoremen, and Bullets that I have had the privilege to coach over the past 12 years. Our success was built on your dedication, hard work, and belief in our vision. Lastly, I want to thank the Gettysburg College Baseball family for a meaningful and memorable three years."
