WATERVILLE — Following a national search, Tim Wheaton has been appointed Harold Alfond Director of Athletics at Colby College, Provost and Dean of Faculty Lori G. Kletzer announced Monday.

Wheaton comes to Colby from Harvard, where he served as a coach and administrator for the last 30 years.

“We saw many qualified candidates,” Kletzer said in a Colby press release. “Ultimately, Tim’s strong character, principled philosophies, and record of success led us to determine that he is the right person to lead Colby athletics during this important time.”

Wheaton served as associate director of athletics at Harvard since 2007. He began his career there as an assistant coach for women’s soccer and men’s lacrosse. He later served as women’s soccer head caoch for 18 years, leading the Crimson to eight NCAA tournaments and four Ivy League championships.

Wheaton will begin at Colby on Jan. 26, 2015.

“I am humbled by and grateful for the opportunity,” Wheaton said in the press release. “I am thrilled to be joining the Colby community and its talented students, faculty, coaches, administrators and alumni.”