New Paltz Sports Information Department
New Paltz, NY — The State University of New York at New Paltz announced the hiring of Veronica Mullen as the newest Hawks Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation Monday.
"We're excited to have Veronica join the Hawks family," said SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation Renee Bostic. "Her years of multi-divisional experience and diverse portfolio will be an added addition."
Mullen begins her career at SUNY New Paltz after spending the last five years at Marquette University where she served as the Golden Eagles Women's Basketball program's Director of Basketball Operations before being promoted to Assistant Director, Women's Basketball in 2022.
"I am most excited to meet the student-athletes, coaches and staff and begin to build relationships throughout campus," Mullen said who will additionally serve as the department's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). "The most formative years of students' development and maturation is during their time in college, and I am excited to be another addition to the administrative team and to be a servant leader to all."
While at Marquette Mullen hired, supervised and managed performance staff, program assistants and student managers, while being a liaison to all external marketing, compliance, communications, facilities, athletic administration, trainers, academic advisors and student organizations, and provided strategic support to Marquette women's basketball coach Megan Duffy. Additionally, Mullen taught classes and educated student-athletes on Name, Image, Likeness (NIL).
Prior to her stint with the Golden Eagles, Mullen worked under Duffy at Miami University (Ohio) where she served as the Director of Women's Basketball Operations for the RedHawks. In her role, she helped oversee the program specialist and video coordinator positions, while managing budget, team travel, youth games, game day set up, player housing, as well as facilitate relationships around marketing and ticketing.
Before landing with the RedHawks, Mullen spent nine seasons with the Red Storm as the Director of Basketball Operations for St. John's Women's Basketball. While there, the program had six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and a first-ever Sweet 16 berth in 2012.
Mullen also worked on staff for two seasons as the assistant coach at Caldwell College.
"I believe my previous experience at a Division I institution will help enhance the department as I bring with me exposure to high-level sports programs, management strategies, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development," she said. "No matter what level of competition, athletics plays a vital role in promoting the well-being and overall welfare of student-athletes, personal development, psychological safety, and unique opportunities for growth. It is my goal to enhance department by leveraging my experience and passion of athletics to make an impact on New Paltz University."
A Ridgfield, NJ native, Mullen played collegiately at Adelphi University where she was a two-year starter and was named as the team's most valuable player during her junior campaign. As a senior, she helped the Panthers to a New York Collegiate Athletic Conference title and a Sweet 16 appearance in the Division II NCAA Tournament.
Looking forward to the move back to the east coast not far from where she grew up and played college ball, SUNY New Paltz also fit what Mullen was looking for in high academic and athletic standard. She hopes to bring her expertise to enhance the department as a whole, but especially the experience for all Hawks student-athletes.
"I was attracted to the position because I know how important it is to have administrators who truly care about athletes and the athletic program, as well as the New Paltz community," she said. "The high standard of academics and success in the athletics programs was what interested me most about the position. In meeting with some of the coaches and administrators, it is clear that the main priority is the well-being of the students and developing them not only as athletes but preparing them for what is to come post-graduation. The vision and mission at SUNY New Paltz align closely with my own, and I couldn't be more excited to jump into this new role and collaborate with my colleagues."
Mullen earned her bachelor's degree in physical education from Adelphi and a master's degree in health sciences from New Jersey City University, while earning her second master's degree in administration and supervision at St. John's University. Additionally, Mullen completed her certification as a sports psychology coach in 2016.
