LATHAM, N.Y. – The United East Conference has announced updates to its leadership structure, with new appointments taking effect on July 1. Dr. Wesley Fugate of Wilson College and Dr. Elizabeth Meade of Cedar Crest College will serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the Presidents' Council, respectively, while Dr. Ashley Wagner of Notre Dame of Maryland University and Erin Foley of Penn State Abington will return to lead the Athletic Directors as Chair and Vice Chair.
"As the United East continues to move forward with a number of strategic initiatives, we are thrilled to announce the leaders who will represent our membership in the upcoming year," said United East Commissioner Stephanie Dutton. "Our conference is fortunate to have highly engaged and well-informed leadership among our presidents, chancellors and athletic directors, and I look forward to collaborating with this group in the upcoming year."
Fugate succeeds Dr. Michael Reed of Penn College, who concluded his term as Presidents' Council Chair.
"We also appreciate the service and leadership of Dr. Michael Reed as our Presidents' Council Chair over the past year," added Dutton. "He has played a pivotal role in strategic conversations with peer conferences and continues to be a fervent supporter of our pursuit of legislative changes that best support our student-athletes and their experience."
Fugate has served as president of Wilson College since 2020. During his tenure, he has led the development of the College's new strategic plan and overseen growth in student retention, academic program offerings and alumni engagement. His background includes leadership roles in student affairs, enrollment and advancement in higher education, along with previous experience in government affairs. This past year, Wilson College made the largest jump in the Presidents' Cup standings, climbing eight spots.
"I'm honored that I can continue to help lead the United East as we navigate the rapidly changing environment for NCAA Division III athletics," said Dr. Fugate. "I look forward to working with our full-member institutions and associate members as we create an amazing experience for our student-athletes."
Meade has served as president of Cedar Crest College since 2018 and has been a member of the faculty since 1993. She led the development and implementation of Cedar Crest's current strategic plan, Open the Door to What's Next, featuring signature initiatives including the Laptops for Learners program, full funding for the College's exclusive international experience, Sophomore Expedition, the Degree in Three accelerated bachelor's degree pathway and the School of Nursing public health care clinic.
"I am honored to serve as Vice Chair for the United East Conference Presidents' Council," said Dr. Meade. "I am dedicated to providing our students with the best athletic experience possible in Division III."
Now entering her second year as athletic directors chair, Wagner has served as Notre Dame of Maryland University's Director of Athletics and Wellness since 2021. Under her leadership, Gator Athletics has experienced notable expansion, highlighted by the addition of men's sports and continued institutional growth. She has also contributed to the NCAA through committee service, drawing on more than 10 years of collegiate athletics administration experience and a professional background in athletic training.
Since taking over as Director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation at Penn State Abington in 2021, Foley has focused on enhancing the department through strategic leadership and campus engagement. An Abington alumna, she built her administrative experience at both the NJCAA and NCAA Division III levels before returning to her alma mater. Her tenure has included successful fundraising efforts, expanded alumni outreach and the launch of the institution's first Athletics Hall of Fame.
This leadership team will collaborate with the conference office and member institutions to support the mission, values and competitive excellence of the United East.
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The United East boasts 14 NCAA Division III full-member institutions: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge and Wilson College. For more information, visit gounitedeast.com.