MOUNT VERNON – Cornell College Director of Athletics Keith Hackett has announced his retirement after 43 years of service in higher education.
Hackett, 65, came to the Hilltop in July 2017 and took over leadership of Cornell's athletics department with 19 NCAA Division III sports. He'll continue his administrative duties through June.
"I want to thank President (Jonathan) Brand for the opportunity to serve as Director of Athletics these past three years. It has truly been a pleasure to work with such outstanding student-athletes, coaches and support staff," Hackett said. "In all my years in intercollegiate athletics, I have never been around so many outstanding young women and men who work as hard at their academic pursuits as they do at their sports. Cornell student-athletes are a very special group."
The Athletics Director position will be filled by Seth Wing, head baseball coach at Cornell the past nine years. Wing begins his new AD role on July 1 and will remain as the Rams' baseball coach.
Katie Green will move out of her role as Senior Director of Advancement Operations and become Associate Athletics Director this summer. Green has held several positions over her tenure at Cornell, including Assistant Dean of the College, Institutional Research Associate, assistant coach (women's basketball, volleyball) and Athletics Recruiting Assistant.
"I look forward to how Seth and Katie will build on the momentum that Keith has established in his tenure," Brand said. "I know great things are ahead for our athletics teams."
In three years under Hackett's direction, the Rams claimed eight Midwest Conference team championships, five NCAA Tournament berths and nine individual all-America awards. The Rams landed four CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and had 14 student-athletes inducted into the Cornell Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest and most respected academic honor society.
Cornell fielded 11 Scholar All-Americans during Hackett's tenure and crowned the MWC Woman of the Year in 2018 (Libby Schnoor) and 2019 (Jillian Schulte). Schulte was a Top 30 honoree for NCAA Woman of the Year.
Hackett was instrumental in multiple facility enhancements, including a new competition soccer field and renovations to Van Metre Field at Ash Park and the outdoor tennis courts. He's been a leading force in a major expansion of the Small Sport Center with construction to begin next academic year.
"Keith has done very strong work at Cornell – valuing the student experience above all else; strengthening our processes and compliance within Athletics, and ensuring that Athletics retains its role in the larger academic enterprise," Brand said. "I have been so thankful for his unwavering leadership, commitment to our students, integrity and strong work ethic. I'll miss having him at Cornell."
Hackett held several senior administrative positions prior to coming to Cornell, including Director of Athletics at the University of Alaska-Anchorage (2013-17), Senior Associate Athletic Director at the University of Nevada-Reno (2004-13) and Associate Athletic Director at Northern Illinois University (1989-1992). He coached college football at Memphis State University and was head baseball coach and assistant football coach at Baker University.
"I am excited about the next chapter in my life and the opportunity to spend much more time with my wife and partner of 44 years, Pat, along with my children and their families," Hackett said.
Wing, a native of Maquoketa, is known for his strong recruiting efforts, nearly tripling the size of Cornell's baseball roster since his arrival in Summer 2011. He is the program's all-time coaching leader with 146 victories.
Wing's 26-19 team in 2019 made history by claiming the program's first MWC Tournament title and qualifying for an NCAA Regional for the first time. The Rams have played in the MWC Tournament five of the past six seasons. They've produced 24 all-conference and 13 all-region honorees since 2012.
"I have watched Seth Wing grow is so many ways during our time together at Cornell," Hackett said. "Seth has a tireless work ethic and is always ready to step in and help when needed. He is committed to the student-athlete experience in every way. Seth has developed a championship baseball program and I predict he'll have the same level of success and impact on the department as the Director of Athletics."
Wing earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics from Winona State University in 2003. He received a master's in educational leadership from Winona State in 2008.
"I am grateful for the opportunity that President Brand has given me and am fortunate to have a mentor in Keith," Wing said. "I am excited to serve our student-athletes and lead a great group of coaches and staff in our athletics department."
