Projo Sports Blog

George Kolb, Roger Williams University Director of Athletics, Recreation, and Intramurals, will be leaving the University after accepting the position of Assistant Vice President for Athletics Development at Villanova University.

"I've immersed myself in this community over the past seven years, which is making it really hard to leave. Though the position offered to me felt too good to be true, to return home to the Philadelphia area and work at alma mater, I leave very bittersweet and grateful for the opportunity that President Nirschel gave me over seven years ago.

Kolb, a Philadelphia native, will serve as part of the overall development team at Villanova, in addition to his primary role as head of the athletic fundraising organization.

"As one of my first hires as a new president, George Kolb was the ideal candidate to lead the department of intercollegiate athletics," said Roger Williams University President Roy J. Nirschel. "During his tenure he has been an important participant and colleague in the ever changing status of Roger Williams University."

Kolb began his tenure at Roger Williams University beginning in November 2001. During his seven-plus years at Roger Williams University, Kolb has been instrumental in developing the profile of the Athletic Department with respect to its success in intercollegiate competition and the quality of the student-athletes.

One of Kolb's first major tasks upon his hiring was overseeing the completion of the expansion of the University's field house, currently the Campus Recreational Center. In addition, the number of full-time head coaches has more than tripled since his arrival, from four to 13. The additional staff has allowed the Department to expand, with the addition of Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving, and Men's and Women's Track & Field as varsity sports during Kolb's tenure.

"During his time the University has invested in the hiring of a record number of full-time coaches and athletics staff and built a first-class recreation center," said President Nirschel. "George has taken seriously the commitment to inclusive excellence and diversity with key hires as well as provided leadership in enhancing the visibility and reputation of the department of intercollegiate athletics within and outside the University. I am pleased for him and his family that he will have the opportunity to further his personal and professional aspirations at his alma mater."

In recent years, RWU Athletics has enjoyed a run of unprecedented success. Over the two-year academic period from 2006-08, RWU teams have compiled a .717 winning percentage (383-151-11), the best two-year stretch in school history. Other major accomplishments for RWU Athletics during Kolb's tenure include the University's first sailing national championship, (Cy Thompson - Men's Singlehanded, 2008) and first NCAA New England Regional Championship (Wrestling, 2007).

"I'm proud of the type of organization and quality people we have, and I'm also proud of what this department has accomplished during my time here," said Kolb. "I'm really looking forward to seeing the next stage of growth of RWU Athletics, continuing the path of achieving the success that we have had."

 Tags  College sports George Kolb Roger Williams University Villanova University

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