Dartmouth College announced a new center named after its most successful football coach on what would have been his 68th birthday. Buddy Teevens, recognized for his work in making football safer, passed away in September 2023 from injuries he sustained in a bicycle accident six months earlier.
“Buddy had a passion for helping student-athletes discover their best selves and perform at the highest levels possible, on and off the field,” Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock said in a statement.
“We will carry his life-long commitment forward through the new Teevens Center by sparking collaboration, research, and innovation for the benefit of young people nationally.”
The center will focus on research in areas like cognitive science, social sciences, engineering, and biomechanics, as mentioned in a news release from the college.
This is one of several initiatives to honor Teevens since a community celebration took place in May, where it was announced that the stadium would be renamed “Buddy Teevens Stadium at Memorial Field,” with a dedication set for Friday.
Dartmouth is also creating a fund to support leadership development, nutrition, mental wellness, and performance for students.
Additionally, a scholarship fund will be established to honor Buddy and his wife, Kirsten Teevens, recognizing the culture of inclusivity they promoted. Donations to the football program will help improve recruitment and support technology upgrades.
Teevens was a former star quarterback at Dartmouth and became the school’s all-time leader in wins, with a coaching record of 117-101-2 over 23 seasons.
He coached the Big Green from 1987 to 1991 and returned in 2005, leading his teams to win or share five Ivy League championships. His lasting impact, however, has been the safety innovations he championed.
