Mission Statement
The Little East Conference is committed to athletic excellence in support of the missions of our member institutions and guiding principles of NCAA Division III. The Little East Conference serves as a thought leader for the holistic wellbeing of our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. The Little East Conference champions access to opportunity and an intentionally diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. The Little East Conference promotes fairness and equity through thoughtful governance, competitive integrity and respectful contest environments. The Little East Conference leverages technological innovations to celebrate the achievements of our membership and the goodwill of intercollegiate athletics.
Vision Statement
The Little East Conference defines success as being a regional and national leader in preparing student-athletes to be engaged scholars, competitive athletes, and socially responsible citizens who are valued members of their communities. Our student-centered conference supports our member institutions’ missions, and attracts individuals who will strive for success academically, athletically and personally, leading to a lifetime commitment to learning and wellness. PDF
Governing Documents
Governance Councils
Name |
Title (2017-19 Term) |
Dr. Frank Sánchez, Rhode Island College | Chair, Presidents Council |
Dr. Robert Johnson, UMass Dartmouth | Chair-Elect, Presidents Council |
Don Tencher, Rhode Island College | Chair, Athletic Directors Council Executive Committee |
Amanda Van Voorhis, UMass Dartmouth | Chair-Elect, Athletic Directors Council Executive Committee |
Lori Runksmeier, Eastern Connecticut State University | Past-Chair, Athletic Directors Council Executive Committee |
Amanda Van Voorhis, UMass Dartmouth | Treasurer |
Sport Liaisons
Sport |
Name, Title |
Institution |
Baseball | Don Tencher, Athletic Director | Rhode Island College |
Men's/Women's Basketball | Jo-Ann D'Alessandro, Associate Athletic Director | Rhode Island College |
Cross Country/Track & Field | Jack Holleran, Associate Athletic Director |
UMass Dartmouth |
Field Hockey | Deanna Tyson, Athletic Director | Castleton |
Men's/Women's Lacrosse | Lori Runksmeier, Athletic Director | Eastern Connecticut |
Men's/Women's Soccer | Lori Mazza, Athletic Director | Western Connecticut |
Softball | Cynthia Washburne, Associate Athletic Director | Eastern Connecticut |
Swimming & Diving | Amanda Van Voorhis, Athletic Director | UMass Dartmouth |
Men's/Women's Tennis | Kim Bownes, Athletic Director | Plymouth State |
Volleyball | Courtney O'Clair, Associate Athletic Director | Plymouth State |
Athletic Training/Sports Medicine | Cynthia Washburne, Associate Athletic Director | Eastern Connecticut |
Student Athlete Advisory Committee | Al Bean, Athletic Dorector | Southern Maine |
Last Updated July 1, 2019