Following up on a rumor that HoopDirt.com posted back on September 8th (DII DIRT)…
It’s now official, as Goldey-Beacom College has announced that athletic director/men’s basketball coach Chuck Hammond has been promoted to Dean of Students, effective November 1, 2016. He will succeed the current Dean of Students, Bernadette H. Wimberley, upon her retirement effective October 31, 2016.
“Chuck brings an impressive background in higher education and athletics management, including student counseling, working with parents, meeting regulatory mandates, teambuilding and institutional assessment. His focus on student development and the well-rounded growth of students will serve us well,” said Dr. Gary L. Wirt, President. “The entire College community looks forward to him taking the reins and further developing the positive on-campus culture of excellence and inclusion.”
Hammond joined the College in 2003 and serves in several leadership roles including athletic director, head men’s basketball coach and adjunct professor. He manages a staff of over 50 coaches, administrators and student workers, supervises 11 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II sponsored sports. He has made significant upgrades to the athletics facilities and has created new full-time positions, including compliance specialist and baseball coach/athletic development specialist.
He has been recognized as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2012 and achieved the highest cumulative GPA (3.28) among student-athletes in school history. Hammond also guided the Lightning to CACC South Division titles in 2011 and 2012, three straight appearances in the CACC final (2010-12) and the 2007 ECAC Division II championship. He is the program’s winningest coach with 164 victories.
Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Philadelphia University and a Master of Arts in Education from Temple University.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to serve this institution I have grown to love over the past 14 years in a new role that will allow me to support and serve the entire student body,” said Hammond. “This Fall, we saw one of the largest incoming classes in school history, and that brings with it many opportunities and challenges. With an institutional commitment to a rigorous academic program and transformational student-based programming, I look forward to now working with all of our students.”
Hammond will replace Dean Bernadette Wimberley who has given the College remarkable service for 32 years. She will be moving to the West Coast to enjoy a well-deserved retirement with her family. “She will be missed for her consensus-building strength and her cheerful spirit in always working toward best outcomes,” Wirt said.
With Hammond stepping down, assistant men’s basketball coach Thomas “TJ” Dekmar has been promoted to head coach. Dekmar was hired last year and made significant contributions to the program in all facets ranging from practice preparation, scouting and game management. He currently assists with facilities, game management and the overall day-to-day operations of the department.
A national search is underway for a new athletic director.
Founded in 1886, the College offers graduate and undergraduate degrees with majors in psychology, economics, criminal justice, English, and all areas of business. With alumni from 26 states and 66 nations, Goldey-Beacom College is located in Pike Creek Valley, a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware. The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs, and the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education.
