SUNY Orange athletics has a new leader for the first time in a generation with the hiring of Ellenville native Brian Burns as its athletic director.
Long-time AD and baseball head coach Wayne Smith announced his retirement earlier this year after 21 years leading the Colts and 26 years at the Middletown-based junior college.
“I would like to thank President Young, Mike Albright and SUNY Orange leadership for the opportunity to serve as the next director of athletics,” Burns said. “I look forward to working with our staff and coaches to provide the best experience for our student-athletes while honoring the mission and values of SUNY Orange.”
Dr. Kristine Young is the school president, and Albright provides oversight for the athletics program.
Recently, Burns worked locally at Newburgh’s Mount Saint Mary College as a transfer admissions counselor and athletics liaison (2011-22) and associate AD (2022-23). He also was coordinator of athletic operations and intramurals at SUNY Sullivan (2018-21). He was the assistant AD at Onondaga Community College (2023-25). He was an assistant baseball coach at SUNY Plattsburgh (2013-18).
“Brian brings us experience at both the NCAA and NJCAA levels,” Albright said. “He understands junior college athletics, particularly within Region XV and throughout SUNY. He will be a tremendous asset to our coaches and staff. More importantly, he is committed to supporting student-athletes to assure they can be successful competitively and academically. His skill set, experience and energy will be a great fit.”
“We are excited to welcome Brian to the Colt family,” Dr. Young said. “As a young athlete, he spent time at SUNY Orange in our summer camps and leagues, and now he’s returning to lead our athletic department.”
kmcmillan@th-record.com
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This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: SUNY Orange hires Brian Burns as its newest athletic director
Reporting by Ken McMillan, Middletown Times Herald- Record / Times Herald-Record
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