Worcester State Athletics Announces Hiring of Meredith Merchant as Associate Athletic Director, Recreation and Wellness

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester State Athletics Department and Athletic Director Michael Mudd are pleased to announce the addition of Meredith Merchant, Ed.D., as the Associate Athletic Director, Recreation and Wellness. Merchant brings a wealth of experience in collegiate recreation administration, staff development, and facility management to the Lancers.

"Our Athletic Department is beyond excited to add Meredith Merchant to our team" announces Mudd. "Meredith is a pro in the Recreation and Wellness industry who will provide an incredible experience for our campus community as we continue to expand on opportunities for our general student population, faculty and staff."

Merchant joins Worcester State after 12 years at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where she served most recently as Assistant Director of Facilities & Recreation. In that role, she oversaw all daily operations of the Sports & Recreation Center, including programming, maintenance, scheduling, and staffing. She managed a team of more than 100 student personnel, seven part-time professionals, and one full-time Recreation Coordinator, while also coordinating training, risk management, budgeting, and equipment inventory. A respected presence across the WPI campus, Merchant contributed to numerous institution-wide committees throughout her tenure.

"I'm truly honored and excited to step into this role at Worcester State University and contribute to a campus that prioritizes student growth and community.  I'm especially grateful to Michael Mudd, Director of Athletics, for the opportunity and his confidence in me," states Merchant. "I look forward to connecting with the students and colleagues and continuing to build meaningful and impactful experiences.  I'm also thankful for my time at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, especially Dana Harmon and Ann McCarron along with the many colleagues, mentors, and student leaders who have been instrumental in making me the professional I am today". 

Merchant has been an active member of the National Intramural Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA) throughout her career, serving as Massachusetts State Director from 2017 to 2019. She has contributed to numerous host committees, including the 2014 Massachusetts State Workshop, the 2019 NIRSA Annual Conference, and the 2019 Region 1 Conference. She currently serves on the National NIRSA Nominations and Appointments Committee.

A dedicated scholar, Merchant earned her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in 2024 while she previously earned a Master's Degree in Education in Exercise Science from Springfield College in 2011 and a Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Leisure Management from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2008. She also served as Adjunct Faculty at Becker College, teaching courses in Sport Management.

Outside of her professional life, Merchant is an accomplished distance runner and community philanthropist. She completed the 2018 Boston Marathon on behalf of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the 2019 Chicago Marathon in support of the American Heart Association.

Merchant is a certified Recreation, Campus Recreation and Sport Professional (RCRSP) through NIRSA and holds current CPR/First Aid certification through the American Red Cross. Merchant will assume her duties start April 27th.