Middlebury has named Todd P. Phelps as the Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2026. The Middlebury, Vermont native served as the Deputy Director of Athletics at North Dakota State University since 2015. 
 

"We are excited to welcome Todd as our Director of Athletics," said President Ian Baucom. "His experience at some of the nation's top academic institutions, as well as with major Division I athletic programs, was especially appealing to the search committee, which emphasized the importance of finding a leader who understands the critical role athletics plays within a liberal arts education."

During his time with the Bison, Phelps served as the sport supervisor for football, men's basketball and volleyball, while overseeing marketing, fan engagement and ticket operations. Phelps was part of a negotiation for a new multimedia rights deal with Learfield for both radio and television, totaling in excess of $2 million annually. He supported and assisted with raising over $110 million for facility renovations and capital projects, including the Health Athletic Complex and Scheels Center, the Football Indoor Practice Facility and operations building, and renovations of the outdoor track and field complex and the softball stadium. Phelps successfully negotiated department-wide uniform and apparel deals with Nike in 2018 and Under Armour in 2024.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Middlebury College and to return to the town I grew up in and the College where I began my career in athletics," said Phelps. "From my earliest conversations, it was clear that Middlebury's commitment to academic excellence, competitive success, and the overall student-athlete experience truly sets it apart. I look forward to joining the campus community, building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters, and continuing the proud tradition of success within Middlebury Athletics."

Prior to his time at North Dakota State University, Phelps served for one year as the associate director of athletics-facilities and operations at Oregon State University, where he was a member of the senior staff involved in strategic planning, policy development, and budget and facility planning. He held a similar role at Stony Brook University from 2008 through 2014, being promoted from assistant director to associate director midway through his time there. Phelps spent the previous six years at Brown University, first as the manager of athletic facilities and operations and then as the assistant director of athletics for operations.

In 1995, Phelps began his career in college athletics at Middlebury, serving as the assistant men's basketball coach and coordinator of facilities and operations for six years and assisting with volleyball in his initial two years before moving on to Yale University as the athletic department's facilities and operations assistant.

A 1995 graduate of Ithaca College, Phelps earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education, teaching K-12, and is currently completing a master's degree in business administration at North Dakota State University.

"I want to sincerely thank President Ian Baucom, Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeremy Ward, and the entire search committee for their trust and confidence in me throughout this process," said Phelps.

Phelps succeeds Erin Quinn '86, who is retiring after 36 years of service, including 20 as the Director of Athletics.