St. Mary’s College of Maryland has appointed Sharief Hashim as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, effective Oct. 5. Hashim will report directly to President Rhonda Phillips as a member of the President’s Cabinet and will provide strategic leadership for the college’s intercollegiate athletics and recreation programs.
Hashim most recently served as Director of Athletics at Susquehanna University, where he led a program encompassing 23 varsity sports, more than 600 student-athletes and approximately 70 coaches and staff. He brings more than a decade of leadership experience in NCAA Division III athletics to the National Public Honors College.
Sharief Hashim brings NCAA Division III experience
At Susquehanna University, Hashim was responsible for strategic planning, operations, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, facilities, and student-athlete success. During his tenure, the university achieved a 150% increase in conference championships, including its first NCAA football Final Four appearance in more than four decades.
He also helped secure more than $2 million in unrestricted athletics gifts, leading initiatives involving alumni engagement, student-athlete wellness, and athletics facilities improvements.
Before joining Susquehanna University, Hashim served as Director of Athletics and Physical Education at SUNY Potsdam and Director of Athletics at Southern Vermont College. His career also includes experience in recreation and youth development with Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia, as well as basketball coaching at Wheaton High School in Montgomery County.
Hashim earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, with a minor in counseling psychology, from Columbia Union College, now Washington Adventist University. He also holds a master’s degree in sport management from Southern New Hampshire University.
Leadership transition at St. Mary’s College of Maryland
As Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Hashim will focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience, competitive success, and the role athletics and recreation play in advancing student success, enrollment, engagement, and institutional distinction. His appointment follows Donny Bryan’s service as Interim Vice President for Athletics and Recreation.
In a letter to the campus community, President Phillips thanked Bryan for his leadership and service, stating, Donny provided steady leadership during an important period of transition, and I am grateful for his commitment to our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the College.
President Phillips added, Sharief brings a strong record of leadership and a clear understanding that athletics and recreation are integral to the educational experience and the broader mission of the institution. His commitment to student success, relationship building, and strategic leadership will be tremendous assets to St. Mary’s College. I am especially pleased to welcome him back to Maryland and look forward to the contributions he will make to our campus and our community.
Hashim expressed his gratitude for the opportunity: Thanks to President Phillips, Donny Bryan, and the search committee for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to join the St. Mary’s College community. I am excited and honored to serve as Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. I look forward to building meaningful relationships across campus, supporting our coaches and staff, and collaborating with alumni and friends of the College throughout the state of Maryland. Together, we will work to enhance the student-athlete experience, advance competitive excellence, and build upon the continued success and visibility of Seahawks Athletics.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland is located on the St. Mary’s River in Southern Maryland and has approximately 1,650 students. The college identifies itself as the National Public Honors College.
Read the official announcement from St. Mary’s College of Maryland Athletics.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Sharief Hashim’s background covers the major responsibilities of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland position, including operations, fundraising, facilities, compliance, and student-athlete success. His experience leading a 23-sport NCAA Division III program also gives him direct familiarity with the scope of the college’s athletics and recreation portfolio.
Hashim will begin the role Oct. 5 after Donny Bryan’s interim service. His stated priorities include building relationships across campus, supporting coaches and staff, engaging alumni and friends of the college, and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
Source: Original report
