For over 25 years, Jeff Timmer has dedicated his career to promoting the importance of movement at Keene State College. As a faculty member in the department of human performance and movement sciences, he emphasizes that movement is essential not only for physical health but also for personal growth and community well-being. Timmer’s mission is to instill this philosophy in his students, encouraging them to embrace exercise as a lifelong commitment.
Timmer’s office, located beneath Spaulding Gym, serves as a vibrant testament to this philosophy. Adorned with golf clubs, sports memorabilia, and colorful pendants, the space reflects his passion for athletics. In October 2023, he received recognition as the Little East Conference Women’s Golf Coach of the Year after leading the women’s golf team to its first conference title in program history.
Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Timmer pursued a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s in exercise science at Central Michigan University. He later earned a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001. Seeking a place to raise a family, he and his wife, Annalee, found a welcoming community in Keene, where all three of their children have thrived in athletics.
Timmer describes his role at Keene State as “new every day,” thanks to the fresh faces he encounters each semester. His commitment to understanding students extends beyond the classroom; he believes that real learning occurs through personal connections. “I want to be fully engaged in what makes them happy, what makes them sad,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in his teaching philosophy.
Fellow coach Jim Condap attests to Timmer’s ability to connect with students on a deeper level. With a coaching style that transcends the sport, Timmer has proven to be a reliable figure, as evidenced in 2024 when he stepped in to coach the Monadnock Regional High School girls’ basketball team after the sudden loss of their coach, Rob Colbert.
Four years ago, Timmer embraced a new challenge by becoming the inaugural golf coach at Keene State. His experience as an adviser for the campus golf club and his background as a collegiate golfer made him an ideal candidate. “Starting a team excited me because of all those experiences,” he stated. Under his guidance, the competitive golf team launched in 2022, attracting students committed to improving their skills and fostering a team spirit.
Recruiting for a women’s golf team in New Hampshire presents unique challenges, particularly because of the sport’s limited popularity among high school girls. This year, only two female high school seniors in the state are actively seeking college opportunities. Consequently, Timmer has broadened his recruitment efforts, reaching out to potential players from other states.
Despite these challenges, Timmer has successfully assembled a diverse team of athletes from across the Northeast, including a dual-sport player from Wisconsin. He highlights the advantages of Keene State’s proximity to the Keene Country Club, allowing student-athletes convenient access to practice facilities, including a golf simulator on campus.
In October 2023, Timmer’s team achieved a historic milestone by winning the Little East Conference title, finishing ahead of Husson University in the championship round. Their impressive performance also set a new record for the best team score. Reflecting on the victory, Timmer expressed immense pride in his team’s hard work. “Happiness,” he said, “because they had worked so hard… it was exciting for all of us.”
While accolades are appreciated, Timmer emphasizes that the true measure of success lies in the growth and development of his students. The championship win is simply the icing on the cake of a fulfilling season. His commitment to fostering a love for movement and mentorship continues to leave a lasting impact on the student-athletes at Keene State College.
