Renee Hellert joined Kutztown University as its new director of athletics, March 29, 2021.
"Renee is an excellent choice to carry on the strong tradition of Kutztown University athletics," Kutztown University president Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson said upon her hiring on Feb. 25, 2021. "She has displayed a deep passion for the success of student-athletes, both in and out of the classroom, throughout her career. Her tireless work ethic and desire to succeed will benefit our student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff and the entire campus community."
Hellert is the first woman to permanently hold the position overseeing both men's and women's sports in KU history. She spent the last four years as the associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator (SWA) at NCAA Division III Moravian College in nearby Bethlehem. Before moving to the Lehigh Valley, she served in various administrative roles while at New England College, her alma mater, from 2002-17.
At Moravian, Hellert's primary areas of focus were compliance, budgets and assisting with the supervision of the Greyhounds' coaching staff. She provided leadership and strategic vision for the department as a member of its senior team, while also serving as the Deputy Title IX Director for athletics.
In 15 years at New England College, located in Henniker, N.H., Hellert spent time as the coordinator of support services, director of sports information, associate athletic director and SWA. She has also held adjunct faculty positions at both NEC and Moravian, teaching sport and recreation courses.
The transformative experiences at her previous institutions have her excited for what lies ahead.
"Having spent the last 19 years in collegiate athletics, I feel this is my opportunity to combine all the roles I have handled, bring them to Kutztown and make a positive impact," Hellert said. "I am thankful to have a network of mentors who have provided me with growth opportunities and guided me through the profession. That has instilled a knowledge and confidence in myself to carry forward as the director of athletics at Kutztown University.
In addition to her administrative work within two respected college athletic departments, Hellert has taken on leadership and committee appointments at the regional and national levels over the last two decades. She was co-chair of the NCAA DIII Softball Championship Committee from 2018-20, before being elevated to chair for 2020-21. Hellert also chaired the NCAA DIII Women's Ice Hockey Championship Committee from 2014-15.
A native of Westerly, R.I., Hellert played four seasons of basketball at New England College, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and sport and recreation management in 2001. She went on to earn her Master of Science in business - organizational management from the school in 2002.
Updated 3/29/21
