Amanda Devitt Named USJ Athletic Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of USJ Athletics Communications

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) has announced that Amanda Devitt, former Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Services and Success at the University of Hartford, will become the new Athletic Director at USJ effective June 24.

"I am extremely excited to be the next Athletic Director at the University of Saint Joseph. I am grateful for the opportunity and the trust that Vice President Ken Bedini and President Rhona Free have placed in me to lead this department," said Devitt. She added, "I look forward to working with the coaches, the staff, and the gifted student-athletes of USJ to continue to elevate Blue Jay Athletics. Graduating student-athletes, winning titles, and doing both with great integrity will be our chief aims."

Devitt becomes just the second Athletic Director in USJ history and succeeds Bill Cardarelli, who will take on a new challenge at USJ after 26 years at the helm, becoming the inaugural Director of Internships and Sport Studies in the undergraduate Sport Management and Promotion program in the fall.

Devitt will lead a USJ athletics program that is currently comprised of 13 NCAA Division III sanctioned varsity teams, several intramurals, and numerous recreation and wellness programs. She will oversee the development and execution of a long-term strategic vision for USJ athletics and manage the day-to-day operations of the athletics department, serving as an advocate for the needs of student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

While most recently at the University of Hartford since 2013, Devitt oversaw the Hawks' Academic and Student-Athlete Services department which included NCAA Compliance and Title IX. She served as a vital member of the Department of Athletics Leadership Team assisting in development and implementation of short and long-term strategic goals with emphasis on student-athlete academics and development. She was also a department liason to Student Affairs, Title IX, Admissions, Financial Aid, College Evaluators, Faculty Athletic Representative, Meal Plans, and Residential Life.

Prior to Hartford, Devitt spent six years at Division III Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) as the Leopards' Athletic Coordinator/Head Women's Basketball Coach. She currently holds the third-highest career winning percentage amongst all WIT women's basketball head coaches. As Athletic Coordinator, she organized and supervised over 100 student-employees within the athletic department, oversaw and staffed home athletic contests, and guided the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Additionally while at WIT, Devitt added the role of Senior Woman Administrator to her rèsumè during her final two years. In that position, her primary responsibilities dealt with scheduling outside group rentals of athletic facilities, coordinating and distributing NCAA grant money, and aiding in alumni relations for the athletic department.

Before WIT, Devitt started her athletics administration career as Assistant Athletic Director/Head Women's Basketball Coach at Southern Maine Community College from 2004-2007.

Devitt is a graduate of the University of New England, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sports and fitness management. She then went on to obtain a master's degree in sport management from Old Dominion University.