Overview
Jeff Schulman (born February 15, 1967) is an American collegiate athletics administrator and former college ice hockey defenseman currently serving as the Director of Athletics at the University of Vermont. Schulman assumed the role on July 1, 2016, succeeding Robert Corran, and became the ninth athletic director in the modern era of UVM athletics and only the fourth since 1973.
Early life and education
Schulman grew up in Buffalo, New York. He attended the University of Vermont, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Playing career
As an undergraduate, Schulman was a defenseman on UVM's men's ice hockey team from 1985 to 1989. and notably assisted a goal that led to an upset victory over Harvard in the ECAC semifinals in 1989.
Early administrative roles
Schulman's administrative career began with an Asa S. Bushnell Internship at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Additionally, he participated internationally as part of the staff for the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympic Games, and led the U.S. delegation at the 2009 Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Athletic Director at UVM
In April 2016, Schulman was named Director of Athletics at the University of Vermont. The project, funded through substantial private donations, represents the largest capital fundraising effort in UVM's history. and secured multiple conference championships. In December 2024, the men's soccer team secured the NCAA Division I national championship by defeating Marshall University 2–1 in overtime, the school's first national championship in a traditional team sport. Other successes include men's soccer winning the America East Championship in 2021, and the university hosting the 2019 NCAA Skiing Championships. In 2020, Schulman was appointed to the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Committee, continuing his active involvement in collegiate sports governance.
Personal life
Schulman resides in Burlington, Vermont, with his wife, Deb Lichtenfeld, and their three children. He is active in the Burlington community, serving on the Burlington Airport Commission and the Burlington Business Association board.