BOSTON – Adam Skaggs is joining the Suffolk University Athletics staff as Associate Director of Athletics, Director of Athletics Cary McConnell announced Thursday morning.  

Skaggs will assume direct oversight of enhancing the student-athlete experience at the University. To do so, he plans to implement programing and work with a number of offices across the University, including Undergraduate Advising, Counseling, Health and Wellness (CHW) and Residence Life and Housing. 

A native of Framingham, Massachusetts, Skaggs steps into the newly developed role that was made possible thanks to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. Suffolk was one of five institutions to receive the grant this year.   

Awarded annually since 2014, the grant is designed to provide financial assistance to Division III conferences and member institutions committed to enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in mid-to senior-level intercollegiate athletics administrative positions. The grant provides funding to support the salary and benefits of the hired employee for the first three years of a five-year position. The NCAA also provides funding at the beginning of the first three years to support professional development opportunities and technology expenses.  

"I am thrilled Suffolk was selected to receive this grant from the NCAA and even more excited to have Adam in the in this new role that will advance our efforts related to equity and inclusion," McConnell said. "This grant has provided us the opportunity to actively enhance the Suffolk student-athlete educational experience away from competition." 

"It is truly an honor to join Suffolk University as the Associate Director of Athletics," Skaggs said. "I am grateful to Cary (McConnell) and the NCAA for the grant opportunity to help lead an unbelievable group of talent. I look forward to working alongside incredible student-athletes, coaches and staff as we each continue to pursue excellence in all areas of the Division III experience. The Division III diversity grants are key to the success of college sports and it is a privilege to be one of the five recipients this year." 

Skaggs continued, "Suffolk embodies family and holds community that embraces everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity differences, and I am happy to be a part of that team. I am beyond humbled by the opportunity and look forward to serving Ram Nation for many years to come."  

"Suffolk holds a special place in my heart as my brother was a former member of the men's basketball team over a decade ago," Skaggs said. "As his biggest support, I saw how the athletics department made a positive impact on his life. Years later, I plan to share the same support to over 300 student-athletes." 

Skaggs comes to Boston after a six-year stint at the NCAA as the Assistant Director for Division III Governance Communications. While in Indianapolis, he took on the role of the voice of Division III across social media platforms and on the NCAA.com website. He worked with the Division III Presidents and Management Councils on policy issues, assisted the vice president of Division III in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives and policies designed to fulfill the mission, philosophy and strategic position of Division III and developed educational resources.  

"After seeing Adam's success at the NCAA, especially with his nation-wide initiatives like the mental health social media campaign, we're excited to see what he can bring to our student-athletes," McConnell added. 

No stranger to Boston, Skaggs' first full-time role in college athletics came as an Assistant Sports Information Director at Simmons in 2014. During his two years across town, he helped promote team's and student-athlete's accomplishments to enhance the overall reputation of the department. His position with the Sharks was also created thanks to a NCAA grant, the NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Grant. 

At Simmons, Skaggs simultaneously worked towards his Master of Science in Management with a concentration in communications on top of his Sports Information role.  

A Division III student-athlete himself, Skaggs played for the Trinity College's men's basketball team from 2009-13, while working towards his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, which he obtained in 2013.  

Throughout his undergraduate career, he got his feet wet in the administration side of athletics as a Sports Communication Assistant. In Hartford, Connecticut, he aided in the publicity of 27 varsity programs.