Jeff Chaney, a seasoned collegiate coach and administrator, has been named Transylvania University’s new vice president for athletics and athletics director.
He takes on the role after having served as the acting VP since last September for the department, which has recently proven itself on the national stage.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to continue to build on our success and help create the future of Transylvania University,” Chaney said. “Working with our coaches, student-athletes and everyone across campus is something I’m looking forward to as the new year begins. I would like to thank President Brien Lewis for the opportunity to lead our athletic department.”
Chaney joined Transylvania in 2017, serving as associate director of athletics for compliance and sport administration. He managed NCAA compliance oversight and directed championships, special events and fundraising. Before that, Chaney coached soccer at several regional colleges.
He took the helm of Transy’s sports department after Holly Sheilley left the position for the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
“Transylvania Athletics is building on its tradition of excellence under Jeff’s direction,” Lewis said. “With sports such a vital part of college life here, it’s important to have an experienced leader ensuring our Pioneers not only win games but succeed in the classroom.”
Transylvania competes as part of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division III. Stressing a scholar-athlete ideal, the program continues to grow with additions like STUNT, a sport that combines elements of cheerleading into a competitive game format. And this past fall, the school welcomed a new dive coach who’s a three-time Olympian.
Other recent highlights include the women’s basketball team winning the national championship in 2023 as part of a 64-game winning streak and the first Pioneer landing a spot in the Major League Baseball draft last year. Transylvania also won the 2023-24 HCAC Commissioner’s Cup.