NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College Department of Athletics has hired Marikate Murren as Associate Director of Athletics, as announced by Director of Athletics Mo White on Monday.

Murren, who most recently served as Vice President of Human Resources for the Northeast Group of MGM Resorts International, joins the senior management team at Conn and will provide oversight, supervision and operational direction to the department's 28 varsity sports programs. In addition, she will serve as the Senior Woman Administrator for athletics and liaison to the Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Oversight.

"I'm beyond excited to add Marikate to our team," said White. "She impressed the search committee with her robust experience managing highly productive teams, athletic coaching and administrative experience, human resources background, and successful results stewarding high-level sponsors and donors. She has a proven track record as a highly motivated strategic leader who is results-oriented and can successfully navigate the complex challenges we all face on a daily basis."

In her role at MGM, Murren provided direct strategic oversight of the human resources divisions at MGM Springfield and MGM Empire City. She was responsible for several areas—talent and human resources functions, performance management, employee development, and staffing and recruitment—and was the lead in driving company culture to enhance team member engagement and recognition. 

"I am excited and humbled to join the Connecticut College family at this time and get started at this great college," said Murren. "Connecticut College Athletics focuses on the student-athlete, ensuring the connection between education and athletic excellence. I am looking forward to being an active part of the Camel Nation community."

Prior to joining MGM, Murren worked as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for United States Tennis Association New England, one of 17 sections in the country that make up the national governing body for the sport of tennis. In addition, she served as National Manager of USTA Jr. Team Tennis for 10 years, running and organizing junior team tennis and school tennis programs across the nation. 

Murren also has experience at the collegiate level. She began her professional career as the Assistant Director of Recreation & Intramurals at the University of Connecticut—where she also served as a women's tennis coach for five years—before moving on to become Director of Campus Intramurals & Recreation at Gettysburg College. 

Murren graduated from UConn with a bachelor's degree in economics and Master of Arts in sports management.