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Last week, Dean College announced the establishment of a new executive position within the institution: the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation. This role, which reports directly to Interim President Mark D. Boyce, is designed to enhance the scope and quality of both formal athletic programs and recreational opportunities, ensuring a holistic, inclusive and vibrant campus life.
Eric Desmond Lee, Esq., a proud alumnus of the class of 2008, has been appointed to this pivotal role. Lee was a standout athlete during his time at Dean College, excelling as captain of the football team that earned the first outright NJCAA Northeast Conference championship. In addition to his athletic prowess, Lee demonstrated exceptional leadership as a recruiter, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and excellence that has become synonymous with Dean’s collegiate environment. Upon completing his associate degree at Dean, Lee was awarded the Dean College Fletcher Prize. This award is given to a Dean student who is credited with the highest general excellence in scholarship, loyalty, spirit and ability in athletics.
Upon graduating from Dean, Lee accepted a full scholarship and graduated, magna cum laude, from the University of Maine. In 2009, he was nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy.® The Campbell Trophy is the most prestigious “academic” award in college football. The trophy is named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the captain of Columbia’s 1961 Ivy League championship team, who found his true calling after an unlikely career change at age 39 from Columbia football coach to an advertising executive. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
In 2010, Lee returned to Dean as an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator. Lee’s leadership and innovative recruiting strategies were instrumental in the triumph of the 2011 season, culminating in Dean’s victory at The Valley of The Sun Bowl. Additionally, the success achieved under Lee’s leadership paved the way for a historic milestone: coordinating Dean’s largest NCAA Division I & II student-athlete placement in the school’s annals. His unwavering commitment to recruiting and student development stands as a testament to The Dean Difference.
Lee completed his MBA from Centenary University and graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law where he earned his juris doctor. Lee served as an Assistant Prosecutor at the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in the Domestic Violence Unit and coordinated criminal investigations. Thereafter, Lee joined a prestigious New Jersey law firm where he regularly defended public entities in complex civil litigation matters before State and Federal courts.
Interim President Mark D. Boyce shared his enthusiasm about this significant step. “Appointing Eric Desmond Lee, Esq. ’08 as our Vice President of Athletics and Recreation is a monumental turning point for Dean College.” Added Boyce, “Eric’s history of leadership, dedication to student success, and his firsthand experience as a dedicated athlete and recruiter make him uniquely qualified to advance our vision. This new role underscores our commitment to excellence not only in competitive sports but in fostering an environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from recreational activities.”
Lee also expressed his excitement about returning to his alma mater in this new capacity. “I am honored to accept the role of Vice President of Athletics and Recreation at Dean College. Dean shaped me both personally and professionally and I am eager to give back to the community that has given me so much,” said Lee. “I look forward to working hand in hand with our students, faculty and administration to expand our athletic programs and create enriching recreational experiences that champion well-being and inclusivity. The Dean Difference is committed to student development and pursuing excellence on and off the field.”
In this new role, Lee will oversee the comprehensive development, coordination and implementation of both athletic and recreational initiatives. This will include enhancing varsity sports, intramurals, fitness programs and ensuring all students have ample opportunity to engage in physical activities that support their academic and personal growth.
