GREENVILLE, Pa.—Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Mike McKinney, Ed.D. ’02 announced the hiring of Isaac Collins as the Director of Athletics at Thiel College. Selected from a national pool of candidates, Collins brings more than 31 years of experience in college coaching, athletic administration, fundraising, and leadership development.
“We are excited to welcome Isaac Collins to the Thiel College community,” McKinney said. “His extensive experience in collegiate athletics and his proven leadership in recruitment and student-athlete development will make him a tremendous asset to our team. I look forward to working closely with Isaac as we continue to enhance the student-athlete experience and build a culture of competitive excellence throughout Thiel athletics.”
Collins’ collaborative approach has consistently led to success in student-athlete achievement, leadership development and fundraising. “I am confident his commitment to collaboration will enhance Thiel’s athletic programs and make a lasting, positive impact on our community,” McKinney said.
His career includes roles as a head football coach, athletic administrator, and mentor, with a proven track record of recruiting and developing diverse student-athletes and coaching staffs.
“I am deeply honored to join the Thiel College community as Director of Athletics,” Collins said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff and coaches, and to contribute to the rich tradition of excellence that defines Thiel Athletics. I’m excited to serve our student-athletes and help them achieve success on and off the field.”
He was most recently the Director of Admission at Albright College. He was also the head football coach at Albright College for three seasons. He had head coaching jobs at Seton Hill University and Widener University as well as assistant coaching jobs at Bucknell University, The Citadel, University of Delaware, College of Holy Cross, Lehigh University, Columbia University and Hobart College. He also participated in NFL Minority Fellowships with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants.
As the Director of Athletics, Collins will oversee the strategic development of Thiel’s athletic programs, ensuring compliance with NCAA and conference guidelines, while working to enhance the student-athlete experience through collaboration and leadership.
Collins also serves as a member of the NCAA D3 Football Committee.
Thiel College has 22 NCAA Division III sports. Collins arrives as the Department of Athletics recently completed a turf replacement project at Stoeber Field at Alumni Stadium. A new scoreboard, bleachers and achievement wall displaying track and field records have recently been completed at the Barry ’70 and Carol ’71 Stamm Track & Field Complex with work underway on a sound system and press box at the facility. Enhancements were also made at Beeghly Gymnasium and Maenpa Courts in 2022, which included a new playing surface, bleachers, scorer’s table, six basketball hoops, video and sound system, video board, improved accessibility, modern lighting and an advanced heating and cooling system.
“I am thrilled to lead Thiel College Athletics into its next chapter,” Collins said. “The recent investments in our facilities and the commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience are inspiring. I look forward to building strong relationships and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and competitive excellence.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.