CH-UH athletic director Hughes accepts position at alma mater Smith College

CH-UH Athletic Director Kristin Hughes has accepted a position at Smith College.

Kristin Hughes, the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District’s director of athletics, is resigning to accept the position of Director of Athletics for Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Hughes received her Master of Science in exercise and sports studies from Smith, and will be returning to her alma mater to oversee the college’s athletics program, beginning in July.  

“This has been a very difficult decision,” said Hughes. “The CH-UH school district means so much to me. It has been an ideal home and community for me and my family, and I truly cherish the people I have been so fortunate to work with. The professionals in our Heights schools have motivated me to work hard and raise the bar for our athletes. Tiger Nation is a very special place. I knew that it would take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make me even consider leaving, but that’s what has come about. I am very excited about the challenges that await me at Smith College, but I will always have a special place in my heart for the students, staff, families and residents of Tiger Nation.”

“Kristin has been an outstanding leader for our district and a truly valued member of our Tiger Nation community,” said Superintendent Talisa L. Dixon. “While we are all very sad to see her go, we know that this is a uniquely special opportunity for her, and we fully support Kristin in this decision. I am confident that she will thrive at Smith as she has thrived in our district. We will miss her and we wish her the very best in this next stage of her career.”

The district will soon begin accepting applications from candidates to oversee district athletics.