Transylvania Vice President for Athletics Holly Sheilley, the first woman to serve as the university’s athletics director and only the third female collegiate AD in Kentucky history, has announced that she has accepted a new position at NCAA Division II University of Missouri–St. Louis. Sheilley will take over the Triton athletics program as executive athletics director on Sept. 18.
Jeff Chaney will serve as acting vice president for athletics upon Sheilley’s departure.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Holly Sheilley for her extraordinary 11 years of leadership at Transylvania,” said President Brien Lewis. “A true pioneer as the first woman to serve as director and later vice president of athletics and a trailblazer in Kentucky higher education, she has elevated Transy’s athletic program to unprecedented heights. Under her guidance, our Pioneers consistently excelled on the national stage. We wish Holly continued success as she embarks on this new chapter with the Tritons at University of Missouri–St. Louis.”
“When I first arrived at Transy over a decade ago, I could never have imagined the profound impact this experience would have on my life,” Sheilley said.
“The incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege to work alongside, and the remarkable students whose growth I’ve witnessed — both during their time here and as accomplished alumni — have exceeded anything I could have dreamed,” she added. “I am immensely proud of the culture our athletic staff and coaches have cultivated at Transy, teaching our student-athletes to excel not just in sports, but in all facets of life. It has truly been an honor to serve as your athletic director.”
Chaney joined the Transylvania athletics department in July 2017 and currently serves as associate director of athletics for compliance and sport administration. He has primary oversight of NCAA compliance, along with direction of special events, championships and fundraising initiatives for the athletics department.
As a former college soccer coach, Chaney has worked at multiple levels in the NCAA.
“I would like to thank President Lewis for this opportunity to be able to continue working with the coaches, staff and student-athletes here at Transylvania,” Chaney said.
“This opportunity would not be possible without Dr. Holly Sheilley, who has been a leader, mentor and friend to all of us in this department. Our job now is to continue to build upon her work over the last decade. We are all fortunate to have the shared experience of working with one of the most gifted leaders in college athletics and most importantly, one of the best human beings,” Chaney added.