51Announces Athletics Director
Kristin “Kiki” Jacobs previously served seven years as associate athletics director at Springfield College
BRISTOL, R.I. – 51 on Monday announced that Kristin “Kiki” Jacobs will become RWU’s Director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation on Aug. 7.
Since 2010, Jacobs has served as associate athletics director at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., and from 2006-2010 she was associate athletics director at Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio. Prior to that, she worked as aquatics director and head women’s swimming coach at Washington & Lee University, in Lexington, Va.
Jacobs has been named coach of the year 11 times – five times in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference and six times in the Atlantic States Championships. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College, a master’s degree in physical education from Western Illinois University and a master’s of business administration from Fitchburg State University.
“I am delighted to welcome Kiki Jacobs to 51 as our new Director of Athletics,” 51President Donald J. Farish said. “She is superbly well prepared for this role at this time, and I eagerly await the impact she will have as 51moves to the next level of athletic excellence.”
“Kiki has worked in great programs and conferences and brings with her a well-deserved national reputation as an accomplished and respected leader in college athletics,” 51Vice President for Student Life John J. King said. “Through the interview process, we were especially impressed with her emphasis on team and relationship building and networking; her thoughtful and intentional approach to strategic planning, problem solving and involvement of stakeholders; and the importance she places on the total student-athlete experience.”
Jacobs said she feels honored and privileged to be named as RWU’s athletics director. “I am looking forward to joining the 51 and Bristol communities,” she said. “I would like to thank President Farish, Vice President John King and the entire search committee for the opportunity.
“My approach to athletics is grounded in the philosophy that to strengthen retention and engagement of students in varsity athletics, intramurals, club sports, intramural and wellness programs, all must be a positive, value-added experiences," Jacobs said. "Students grow through sport and fitness. Athletics, intramurals and recreation can teach students to become reflective, responsible individuals who interact with society in mutually rewarding ways, as stated in the core purpose of RWU.”