Van Kley promoted to VP at Central, leaves coaching role

Eric Van Kley has been promoted from Athletic Director and Wrestling Coach to Vice President of Athletics at Central College. He will leave the head coach position he has held for the past 17 seasons. He has also served as Athletic Director since 2012.

Central elevates Van Kley to vice presidential role

Central president Mark Putnam said of Van Kley, “Athletics has long served as an integral co-curricular component of a Central education and is part of the fabric of the college’s history. Central now serves more than 700 student-athletes each year. As the athletics landscape continues to evolve and the program’s impact on the life of the college grows, the leadership demands, challenges and opportunities are expanding exponentially.

Elevating this position to the vice presidential level is reflective of that. But it is also reflective of the energy and vision Eric is providing as the program’s leader. Central is highly regarded for its role in the growth of NCAA Division III, particularly with regard to the development of women’s athletics as well as the articulation of the original Division III philosophy. And Eric has done nothing but enhance Central’s athletics reputation during his tenure. He has grown steadily in his position and continues to take on responsibilities that far exceed those of a traditional athletics director. It is time that we recognize that.”

Central is searching for a new head wrestling coach. Interested applicants can APPLY HERE and should contact Vice President for Athletics Eric Van Kley directly with interest in this position.

Email: vankleye@central.edu Phone: 641-780-9707