Jeffrey Wiley Named NJCAA Region III Athletic Director of the Year

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is proud to announce that Athletic Director Jeffrey L. Wiley (right) has been named Region III Athletic Director of the Year by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). This is the second time in his career that he has received this honor, with the first being in 2009.   

Wiley began his career at Jefferson in 1993 as a technical specialist and assistant for the men’s basketball program. In 1995, he transitioned to a physical education instructor and head coach of the JCC women’s basketball team. By 2000, he had ascended to the role of director of athletics, becoming the sixth director of athletics in the College’s history. Over his 24-year tenure, he has also coached the JCC golf and softball teams. 

Under Wiley’s leadership, the Cannoneers had a tremendously successful 2023-2024 year, with eight out of nine JCC programs advancing to NJCAA postseason competition! The women’s soccer program finished as the Region III District A Runner-Up, the women’s basketball program earned an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Championships after finishing as the Region III Runner-Up, the softball program also finished as the Region III District A Runner-Up, and men’s cross country, men’s golf, and women’s golf teams qualified for nationals. Additionally, the athletics department added ice hockey as a club sport, competing in the Upstate New York Collegiate Hockey League and making it to playoffs.

Wiley has been a proactive advocate for the addition of new programs and facilities. In 2022, he championed the establishment of the eSports program. He also spearhead the construction of a multi-purpose turf facility, which opened in August 2023. Since its opening, Wiley has secured sponsorships for both the turf facility and the college gymnasium scoreboards.  

College President Daniel J. Dupee, II, says, “Jeff Wiley’s recognition as Region III Athletic Director of the Year is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and student success. His dedication to our student-athletes and his transformative impact on our athletic programs have truly set him apart. We are immensely proud of Jeff's accomplishments and grateful for his ongoing contributions in helping Jefferson meet our mission to Educate, Inspire, and Empower our students. 

Gabrielle M. Thompson, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, says, “We congratulate Jeff on receiving the prestigious honor of being named Athletic Director of the Year. His profound impact on the athletics program at Jefferson, along with his visionary leadership and dedication, inspires us all. We are immensely proud to celebrate this remarkable achievement.” 

In addition to being named NJCAA Region III Athletic Director of the Year, Wiley was also recognized by the Mid-State Athletic Conference as the 2023-2024 Coach of the Year in his comeback season after a hiatus since 2005. He previously earned Coach of the Year honors in 1996, 1998, 2001, and 2005.

Wiley holds an associate degree from Jefferson, a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, and a Master of Science in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.