In this post we recognize
Erin Quinn, Director of Athletics, for his 25 years of service to Middlebury. Erin shares with us the variety of roles that he has held over the years, his fondest Middlebury memories, and some advice to new employees. Read on to learn more about Midd from Erin’s point of view.
What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
I was the head men’s lacrosse coach and football defensive coordinator at Lake Forest College in Illinois.
What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Director of Athletics
Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
Pam and I were married in my first summer back at Middlebury!
What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
My kids attending Middlebury College. Hannah is a junior at Middlebury College, and Connor is a senior at MUHS who will attend Middlebury in the fall of 2016 after a gap year.
Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
When I first arrived here I did not participate in many outdoor activities. Over my 25 years I have done downhill and cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, kayaking, etc. Lots of friends and colleagues participating in these activities encouraged me to do so. I also started doing Tai Chi with Professor Dana Yeaton and local alumnus Tom O’Connor over 20 years ago and have enjoyed getting back into this the past few year after some years off.
What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
Professionally I had an amazing coaching career, working with great colleagues and amazing students, and it was gratifying and humbling to be named Director of Athletics 9 years ago. Personally my fondest memory is my kids growing up in and around Middlebury.
Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
Great colleagues in Athletics and in many other departments on campus, as well as working with amazing students, and we live in a great community.
What are your plans for the next 25 years?
Well, certainly for the foreseeable future I hope to be the Director of Athletics, hopefully improving as I go.
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
I am privileged to work in Athletics, so I work in a pretty spectacular place on campus, but I would always prefer to be outside when possible, so I am going to go with any number of tee boxes on the golf course on a sunny day.
Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
My Middlebury College football coach, Mickey Heinecken, whom I also worked with in my coaching career was and continues to be a tremendous mentor.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?
It may not be for everyone, but our family has benefitted from a full immersion in Middlebury College and the community. Work and family have blurred lines over my career. Along with Pam, I have tried to be involved in the local community. This choice can be fairly consuming and there is no escape from Middlebury, but it has worked for us!
Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?
It has been a blessing to be here for the past 25 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do the work I do, and particularly to have worked with so many great people in Athletics and all over campus.