Elmira, NY – Pat Thompson , Vice President of Athletics and Health Services announced the hiring of Dean Jackson '03 as the head coach of the Elmira College women's hockey team. He will also continue in his capacity as Head Men's Golf Coach.

“We are fortunate to have one of our own taking over the program that possesses the skill, experience and passion for the sport to perpetuate our hockey tradition,” Thompson said.

Jackson has spent the past five seasons as an assistant with the Soaring Eagles men's hockey team.  Over the course of his tenure as an assistant coach, the Soaring Eagles went 90-39-13 and advanced to five consecutive NCAA tournaments including the NCAA Semi-Final in his first season.  Jackson with continue to serve as head men' golf coach for the Soaring Eagles. 

"My family and I are very excited for this fantastic opportunity to lead such a tremendous program.  Coach Fargo has left a positive impact on the program and I look forward to continue the winning culture."

Jackson enjoyed one of the most successful playing careers in the thirty-four year history of the Elmira College Men's Ice Hockey program. While playing for the Soaring Eagles from 1999 – 2003, Jackson became a member of the prestigious 100 point club in 2003, garnered ECAC West Rookie of the Year honors in 1999, was named to the ECAC West All-Conference Second Team in 2003, and was named the ECAC West Tournament's Most Outstanding Player in 2003. Additionally, Jackson captained the 2003 edition of the Purple and Gold, en route to being named the Elmira College Men's Ice Hockey Booster Club Player of the Year.

In addition to competing as a standout forward with the Men's Hockey program, Jackson was also a four-year member of the Soaring Eagles Men's Golf team.

Following a distinguished playing career for the Soaring Eagles Jackson went on to play professionally. During his professional career, he saw action with the Elmira Jackals of the UHL, and later with the Fayetteville Fireantz and Richmond Renegades of the SPHL. In 2005, Jackson was named the Southern Professional Hockey League Player of the Month in November, and in 2006, he was named a Southern Professional Hockey League All-Star following the 2005-2006 season.

During both his collegiate and professional career, Jackson has also served as a head instructor and program coordinator for World Class Hockey Development Canada. During his time with World Class Hockey Development Canada, Jackson served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

Jackson graduated from Elmira College in 2003 with a S.B. in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and is married to wife, Christina and has three young boys, Henry, Mitchell and Theodore.