The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Letkowski named SCSU interim AD
Matt Letkowski enters an “exciting” new chapter in his college athletic career.
On Tuesday, Southern Connecticut State Vice President of Student Affairs Tracy Tyree announced that Letkowski has been named interim athletic director effective immediately. Letkowski currently serves in the athletic department as associate athletic director for compliance and will continue in that role.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Letkowski said. “Everyone who works in college athletics wants to be an athletic director. I’m excited for this opportunity to get the experience of being an athletic director, to determine if it’s what I want to do on a full time basis.”
During the selection process, Letkowski told Tyree he would be interested in the interim position. He replaces Jay Moran, who stepped down as Southern Connecticut State athletic director on Dec. 31. Moran went on to become the vice president of athletics at the University of Bridgeport on Jan. 14.
When making the decision, Tyree looked at staff within the department, colleagues within the university who have experience in athletics and people outside the university, such as retired athletic directors and consulting firms who offer interim services.
“I consider multiple options when making these kind of selections,” Tyree said. “After thoroughly vetting all of these options, I determined that Matt offers the best leadership for our department at this time. He is well respected by his colleagues.
“He is already a leader among the team and he plays an important role with his oversight of compliance. He is knowledgeable about the department, the work, the university and especially our operations in COVID-19. He shows incredible potential for growth.”
Letkowski is in his ninth year at Southern Connecticut State after being hired in 2012 as the assistant director of compliance. Letkowski was promoted to interim associate athletic director of compliance in 2014 and was promoted to the permanent position in 2016.
“My only goal right now as interim athletic director is to play games in the spring,” Letkowski said. “I’m looking
forward to seeing our athletes play games. It’s been a difficult time during the pandemic with our seasons lost this past year. The Northeast-10 Conference is proceeding forward and planning for a spring season and we’re proceeding as if we are a go.
“I’m thankful for this opportunity in my life, the opportunity for development and growth as an administrator and athletic director.”
Letkowski spent parts of two academic years at the University of Hartford, where he was responsible for daily compliance oversight of 18 athletic programs. He also conducted monthly compliance education meetings, prepared NCAA and institutional reports, including the National Letter of Intent program, and served as the financial aid and admissions liaison. Letkowski was on the staff of the Fairfield University athletic department from 2009-11.
Letkowski holds a bachelor’s of arts degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from St. John’s University.
A national search for a permanent athletic director at Southern will begin in the spring.