ONEONTA, N.Y. - After more than four decades of dedicated service to Hartwick College, Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), and Compliance Coordinator Betty Powell '82 has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the 2025–26 academic year. In preparation for this transition, Head Women's Tennis Coach Samantha Butcher will be promoted to assistant director of athletics, and Head Field Hockey Coach Erin Autera will assume the role of Senior Woman Administrator.
A prominent figure in Hartwick Athletics across five decades, Powell has demonstrated selfless service in a wide range of roles and on numerous committees. She served as assistant director of athletics from 1989 to 2003, before assuming the role of acting director of athletics from 2003 to 2005. Since then, she has served as associate director of athletics and held the SWA title for the majority of her career. Powell will remain in her current roles full-time through January, after which she will transition to a part-time position with a focus on budget management for the remainder of the academic year.
"Betty Powell is an icon here at Hartwick College and has been the single most influential person in our department over her long and storied career," said Executive Director of Athletics Paul Vecchio. "She rose from administrative assistant to associate athletic director at a time when women's roles in athletics were scarce, and has brought her love and passion for Hartwick to the workplace every day.
"She is a true Hall of Famer and an inspiration to all of us who care about what happens on Oyaron Hill. Her commitment, work ethic and passion for the College, our department and thousands of student-athletes she has served have been nothing short of extraordinary. Her legacy will never be forgotten. I'm incredibly grateful to have this academic year with her and for the guidance she'll provide to those stepping into the large shoes she leaves behind."
Samantha Butcher will be promoted to Assistant Athletic Director, where she will oversee facilities, supervise several sports and assist in the day-to-day operations of the department. A two-time Empire 8 Coach of the Year, Butcher has built a powerhouse women's tennis program, leading the Hawks to two Empire 8 Championships in the last three years. She will aim for one more title this fall before fully transitioning into her new role.
Erin Autera will assume SWA responsibilities beginning in January 2026. In addition to this role, she will support the College's equity goals and contribute to NCAA and divisional reports, along with other compliance-related work. A proven leader on the field, Autera has guided the field hockey team to three Empire 8 Championships, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. She has also been named Empire 8 Coach of the Year three times.
"I am ecstatic about the increased roles that Samantha and Erin will play in our department and grateful that Betty will be here this year to help support their transitions," said Vecchio. "Sam and Erin are professionals of the highest order, have championship DNA and exemplify everything great about the coaching profession and building dynamic teams. I am tremendously grateful to both of them for stepping up and look forward to the continued impact they'll have on our department."
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
