ROSEMONT, PA. – The Board of Directors of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) has selected Marie Stroman as the Commissioner of CSAC, effective October 14, 2021. She comes to this position bringing experience as a Division III student-athlete and as an administrator with the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) for more than a decade.

Dr. James Lytle, chairman of the CSAC Board of Directors and President of Clarks Summit University, says, "In our last round of interviews, we faced six highly qualified candidates. Through that process, Marie’s experience, leadership skills and strength in communication stood out and made her the clear choice to become our Conference commissioner."

In 2011, Stroman began as Coordinator of MAC 100, a year-long centennial celebration, and she progressed to assistant executive director two years later. She was named associate executive director of MAC in 2015. In this role, Stroman directed all aspects of 14 conference championships and assisted in 23 playoff championships. She served as a staff liaison to the MAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, advanced the MAC through a five-year strategic plan and administered the NCAA Division III Strategic Initiatives Grant Program.

The Minnesota native earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Educational Studies at Macalester College, where she was a two-year captain, four-year starter and named Most Valuable Player for women’s volleyball. She went on to earn her Master of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership at the University of Washington.

As a Division III student-athlete, she participated in student organizations, engaged in community service and studied abroad, giving her the ability to relate to and appreciate the diverse pursuits of the CSAC student-athletes.
"Division III student-athletes understand how to capitalize on their athletic experience to shape and enhance their overall educational experience," Stroman observes. "I truly believe in athletics as an integral part of the educational model, and that’s why I’m passionate about working in Division III athletics."

Self-described as focused and deliberate, Stroman’s concern for student-athletes shines through her accomplishments, including organizing the MAC Women’s Coaching Symposiums and ensuring student-athletes’ voices were heard through MAC Student-Athlete surveys. She rallied students who aspire to work in athletics to attend Mid-Atlantic Region Commissioner Association Ethnic Minority Careers in Athletics Symposiums, an event which earned the NCAA Division III March 2019 Diversity Spotlight under her leadership.

With a background in special education work, she forged a partnership between NCAA Division III and Special Olympics that propelled volunteering and fundraising for the organization.
 
"Inclusion has been important to me for a long time, especially in the educational sphere," Stroman says, crediting her mother for instilling this value through modeling it in her career and volunteer work. Stroman believes, "Inclusivity can provide avenues for student-athletes and those within the athletic department to grow as individuals. I hope an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is something that can be incorporated in my work with the CSAC, just as it has with the MAC and when I was a student-athlete."

As a trained facilitator, Stroman provided Gameday the DIII Way training to hundreds of people at the MAC institutions. She also oversaw new technology efforts, served on the NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Committee, developed brand messaging and visual identity and organized successful bids to host regional and national championships.

Stroman is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America, Division III Commissioners Association, National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators and Women Leaders in College Sports.

Stroman was attracted to the CSAC position because of the conference’s growth mindset, which she says, "creates a passion for learning and room for collaboration and innovation."

"I’m eager to listen, learn, and understand the experience of the many student-athletes, coaches and administrators on their campuses. CSAC schools have a unique story that I can’t wait to promote." Stroman continues, "I want to thank Dr. Lytle, the entire search committee and the presidents and athletics directors for their careful consideration of my appointment. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the membership!"