Cobleskill, N.Y. – SUNY Cobleskill has announced that longtime athletics administrator Mary Irving will return from retirement to serve as Interim Director of Athletics and Recreational Experiences while the College conducts a national search for its next permanent athletic director.
Irving assumes the role following the departure of Director of Athletics Marie Curran, who recently accepted the position of Director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation at Ramapo College. This marks the second time Irving has stepped into the role of Interim Director of Athletics at Cobleskill, having previously served during the department's leadership transition in 2016-17.
A national search for SUNY Cobleskill's next Director of Athletics is currently underway. Irving will oversee the department during the transition period and serve in the interim role until a permanent appointment is made.
"Joining the SUNYAC conference marks a new era for Cobleskill Athletics, and we wanted experienced, trusted leadership in place to meet that moment," said Dr. Anne Hopkins Gross, Vice President for Student Development. "Mary brings an unmatched understanding of our programs, our people, and what it takes to support student-athletes at the collegiate level. We're fortunate to have her step into this role as we take this exciting step forward."
Few individuals possess a deeper understanding of SUNY Cobleskill Athletics than Irving, who dedicated 26 years of service to the College before retiring in 2025.
Most recently, Irving served as Associate Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Director, playing a vital role in the daily operations and long-term success of the department. In those positions, she oversaw NCAA compliance, facility and building operations, fitness center management, staff certification programs and a wide range of administrative functions while helping guide the department through significant growth and change.
Throughout her tenure, Irving served in numerous leadership and student-athlete support roles, including Associate Athletic Director, Compliance Coordinator, Senior Woman Administrator, Head Athletic Trainer, Head Swimming & Diving Coach and Head Softball Coach. Her extensive institutional knowledge, commitment to student-athlete success and experience across nearly every area of the department made her a trusted resource for coaches, administrators and campus leadership alike.
Prior to joining SUNY Cobleskill in 1999, Irving served in athletic training roles at Rochester Institute of Technology and St. John Fisher College.
"I was honored when asked to return to SUNY Cobleskill to assist with this leadership transition," said Irving. "While I retired in June of 2025, my commitment to our student-athletes, coaches and the department has never wavered. I look forward to helping maintain the momentum we've built and supporting the continued success of Cobleskill Athletics during this transition."
SUNY Cobleskill Athletics extends its gratitude to Curran for her leadership and contributions to the department and wishes her continued success at Ramapo College. Curran served as Director of Athletics and Recreational Experiences from 2017-2026, guiding the Tigers through three conference affiliations, including the department's recent transition to the SUNYAC, while overseeing multiple conference championships, facility improvements and numerous departmental accomplishments.
"Leaving SUNY Cobleskill is bittersweet, because what we have built here is something genuinely special. I am so proud of the growth of this program, not just in wins and championships, but in the student-athletes who came through this department and left as graduates ready to make their mark on the world. Watching them compete has been one of the great privileges of my career. The coaches and staff at Coby are exceptional people who pour their all into this work, and I have full confidence that they will continue to elevate Cobleskill Athletics under the next director's leadership. It has been an honor."
Dr. Anne Hopkins Gross added her appreciation for Curran's time at Cobleskill and lasting impact.
"Marie's 27 years of service to SUNY, of which nine of those years have been leading Cobleskill Athletics, show her extraordinary commitment to students and our institution," said Hopkins Gross. "She has built a program defined by community pride and dedication, values that we want every student-athlete to carry with them long after graduation. Her fingerprints are on so much of what makes this college special, and she leaves a legacy that will endure for years to come. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to Coby, and we wish her all the best in the next chapter."
