On Sept. 4, the University of New Haven  named Sheahon Zenger as the school’s newest director of athletics and recreation. Zenger, the former AD at Division I Kansas, was hired in August to succeed Chris Palmer, who retired in June.

At a press conference at Charger Gymnasium on Thursday Steven Kaplan, university president, introduced Zenger  to the media, along with coaches and student-athletes.

“We are thrilled to bring Sheahon’s broad background and talent to the University of New Haven and look forward to his vision and leadership of our athletics program,” said Kaplan. “He brings a unique combination of strengths and experience that are aligned with our ambitious vision to ensure that our student-athletes compete at the highest level on and off the field.”

Both Kaplan and Zenger discussed exploring a move from Division II to Division I. Zenger said he will take time to assess in his first days at the university and explore what will need to be done to make the push to leave Division II and the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10), which lost two members to Division I at the end of the 2018-19 academic year.

Zenger cited the university’s growth under Kaplan as a main reason for interviewing for the position.

“President Kaplan’s growth of the University’s programs, facilities, and endowment during his tenure has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Zenger said. “And his excitement about expanding the University’s athletic footprint and reputation is exceptional. I am very pleased to be joining this remarkable community and can’t wait to begin contributing to the University’s success.”

For a post-press conference interview with Zenger, tune in to the Charger Bulletin News Thursday, as sports editor Zackh Pincince spoke with the university’s new AD.