Franklin, MA — July 29th, 2025 — Dean College is proud to announce the appointment of Geoff Lerner as Vice President of Athletics and Recreation. A visionary and results-oriented athletics administrator, educator, and coach, Lerner brings more than a decade of experience leading comprehensive athletic and recreation programs across both collegiate and secondary education. His expertise in strategic planning, student-athlete development, operational oversight, and inclusive programming makes him exceptionally well-positioned to lead Dean's athletics and recreation initiatives. In this role, Lerner will report directly to the President and serve as a member of the College's senior leadership team.

Lerner most recently served as Athletic Director at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School in Cambridge, MA, where he led a diverse and expanding athletic department. He oversaw more than 15 interscholastic sports and recreation programs, directed hiring and staff development, and implemented initiatives to enhance leadership, academic support, and equitable participation for student-athletes. Through his strategic vision and leadership, he fostered a culture of accountability, access, and belonging, hallmarks of his student-centered approach. Under his leadership, the program saw measurable gains in student-athlete engagement, retention, and academic performance, reinforcing his ability to drive meaningful outcomes through inclusive, mission-aligned strategies.

Throughout his career, Lerner has held leadership and coaching roles at institutions such as Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology and Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he managed a range of responsibilities including eligibility and compliance, budget administration, academic monitoring systems, and game-day operations. These roles—both on the sidelines and in the office—deepened his understanding of college athletics infrastructure and reinforced his ability to drive operational excellence while centering student success.

Lerner holds a Master of Science in Physical Education from Hofstra University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies from Ithaca College. He is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and holds a Massachusetts professional educator license in Physical Education.

"We are thrilled to welcome Geoffrey to the Dean community," said Darrell Kulesza, Interim President of Dean College. "His leadership experience across multiple institutions, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to equity and student development make him the ideal person to guide our athletics and recreation programs forward. Geoffrey brings both energy and vision to this role, and we're excited to see the positive impact he will make across our campus."

"It's a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Dean College," said Geoffrey Lerner. "I'm excited to collaborate with students, coaches, and campus partners to elevate the athletic and recreation experience. Together, we'll build programs that not only drive success on the field, but also foster leadership, resilience, and a strong sense of community."

Please join us in welcoming Geoffrey Lerner to Dean College as the Vice President of Athletics and Recreation. He will officially begin his role in early August.