On Wednesday, August 9, Chowan University President Dr. M. Christopher White announced the appointment of Patrick Mashuda as the Vice President for Athletics. Mashuda was approved on Wednesday morning during a called meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. Mashuda is the ninth Vice President for Athletics in the university's modern-era history.

Mashuda was introduced to the athletic department staff by Dr. White on Wednesday afternoon though most of the department has worked with him before. Mashuda worked 12 years within the department in various roles before departing in May of 2016 to pursue a long-time dream of coaching Division I basketball as an assistant coach for Kent State University in Ohio.

"I am absolutely thrilled to bring Pat Mashuda back to Chown where he belongs," said Dr. White. "He brings to his new role a great deal of knowledge about NCAA and conference rules and guidelines. He also knows Chowan, and is aligned with our mission and values."

Mashuda played a pivotal role in the revival of the athletic department at Chowan during his previous tenure. Not only was he the head women's basketball coach for 12 seasons, he also served as the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. He aided in the school's transition from NCAA DIII to NCAA DII in 2005-2006 as the Director of Compliance and served as part of the athletic department administrative team as Associate Director of Athletics until his departure. In May 2016, he was honored as Chowan University Male Staff Member of the Year.

"I always hoped my journey with Chowan would continue," Mashuda said. "Even when I left, I felt there would be a return trip. I just didn't know it would be this quick."

As head coach of the Hawks women's basketball team, Mashuda led the team to an NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament appearance in 2016, the first ever appearance in school history, and the program's first-ever 20-win season with a 20-9 overall record. 

A six-time CIAA Coach of the Week recipient, Mashuda took Chowan to two semifinal appearances in the conference tournament. In addition, the team tied for first place in the division as a second-year member in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The program also had one of the largest comeback wins in CIAA Tournament history (19 points) under his guidance.

Mashuda recruited and developed eight all-conference selections, three rookies of the year and six rookie team members. In addition, he understands the importance of the off-the-court aspects of the game, as his program logged more than 100 hours of community service every year.

Mashuda served as a member of the NCAA DII Regional Ranking Committee while on staff at Chowan as well as on several university and conference committees. He also oversaw internships and taught in the Sport Management program.

Mashuda benefits from a variety of coaching and administrative experience at all three levels of the NCAA, to include NCAA DIII La Roche College (Pa.) and PSU-Behrend. His knowledge and experience will help lead the Chowan University Athletic Department to new heights.

The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native received an associate degree from Butler Community College before receiving a bachelor's degree in management from Robert Morris in 1992. Mashuda then went on to earn a master's degree in sport management from Slippery Rock in 2005.

"I look forward to helping the department take that next step," Mashuda said. "Chowan really is home for me, and I'm excited to be back."

Go Hawks