LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced the hiring of Madeline Simmons as Assistant Commissioner and Senior Woman Administrator, bringing to the conference office an accomplished NCAA Division II administrator with extensive experience in compliance, student-athlete success, and athletics administration.
 
Simmons joins the PSAC after serving as Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance at Missouri Western State University, where she was a member of the institution's senior administrative team and oversaw NCAA compliance for 17 varsity sports and more than 400 student-athletes. In addition to managing student-athlete eligibility, scholarship administration, and rules education, Simmons successfully led the implementation of the Teamworks compliance platform at Missouri Western and previously at Minot State University, guiding each department through initial setup and training to full campus adoption.  She also served as advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was the sport supervisor for women's soccer and women's tennis.
 
In her role with the PSAC, Simmons will assist with conference and SAAC governance, NCAA compliance, championships administration, and strategic initiatives while supporting the conference's 17 member institutions and over 7,000 student-athletes.
 
"We are excited to welcome Madeline to the PSAC family,” said PSAC Commissioner Carlin Chesick. “Throughout the interview process, she demonstrated an exceptional understanding of NCAA compliance, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine commitment to serving our member institutions and student-athletes. As we continue building the next chapter of the PSAC, her experience and passion for student-athlete development will strengthen our office and help us continue elevating the student-athlete experience across the Conference."
 
"I’m honored to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference as Assistant Commissioner," said Simmons. "I want to thank Commissioner Carlin Chesick, along with Bryan Kast and Will Adair, for this incredible opportunity and their warm welcome. The PSAC has a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence, and I’m excited to work alongside this team, our member institutions, and student-athletes to build on that legacy. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the conference in the years ahead."
 
Prior to Missouri Western, Simmons spent more than two years at Minot State as Associate Athletics Director for Compliance, Student Life and Academic Success and also served as Senior Woman Administrator. There, she was the university’s Designee for NCAA Athletics Diversity and Inclusion, Healthcare Administrator, sport supervisor for multiple programs, and the SAAC liaison.
 
Before transitioning into athletics administration, Simmons spent more than two years as assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis programs at Oklahoma Baptist University, where she also gained valuable experience in recruiting, budgeting, scheduling, and student-athlete development.
 
A former standout Division II student-athlete, Simmons competed in women's tennis at Midwestern State University, graduating among the most accomplished players in program history with a career record of 113-40 (ranked sixth all-time.) She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership at East Tennessee State University.
 
Throughout her career, Simmons has remained actively engaged in Division II leadership opportunities. She served as the Central Region Chair and National Committee Representative for the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Tennis Committee in 2025 and 2026 and participated in the NCAA Division II Athletics Directors Association Women and Minorities Mentoring Program. She was also recognized as the 2024-25 MIAA SAAC Mentor of the Year.
 
Simmons will officially begin her duties with the PSAC on August 31, 2026.