Keli Zinn Introduced as Rutgers University's new Athletic Director
Rutgers University announced on Wednesday morning the naming of a new Athletic Director and it’s Keli Zinn, who previously spent time at LSU as the Deputy Athletic Director / COO.
Not too long after the announcement, Zinn spoke with the state of Rutgers and the media in her introductory press conference at the Rodkin Center on campus.
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Zinn’s Vision for the future of Rutgers Athletics
New Athletic Director Keli Zinn went in depth on what her vision is for the Scarlet Knights athletics department.
“My vision for Rutgers athletics is quite simple. The process to get there, in some cases, will be complex, and you’ll hear more about those details in the future, but the vision is clear. We didn’t come here to just compete. We came here to win, to win conference and national championships. To do so, we will effectively recruit and retain elite talent. This includes student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
We will seek excellence in our performance, and that mentality will drive us to punch above our weight and foster a culture of integrity, teamwork, and discipline. We will elevate our brand and the brand of our student-athletes. Our entire department will support the academic mission of the institution.
We will make a positive impact on the campus and in the community. We will show gratitude to all who support us, donors, alumni, and fans, and we will build revenue and resources to successfully compete with the nation’s finest. Ultimately, our priorities will remain focused on what is best for Rutgers University and the Big Ten Conference in alignment with our values and what is best for the well-being and success for all students and all student-athletes.”
Reuniting with new Rutgers President William F. Tate IV
“I mean, it was the biggest piece, right, and I say that because, you know, as someone, you know, President Tate and I spent three years together at LSU and accomplished a lot, won four national championships, two of which had never taken place before our time there, and so it was a lot of celebration. When he departed, that was tough for me, and it was tough for a lot of people, and so to have the opportunity to come together with him again and have immediate chemistry is important. You heard me talk about the alignment side of things, but the relationship he and I have is one that’s driven by our relentless pursuit of success and winning at the highest level, but the thing that I also value about him is the balance that he has both to academics and athletics. Having the opportunity to see him work through that at LSU, he’s as best as I’ve ever seen, and this has been a goal of mine for many times.You’ll hear my husband say she’s been an assistant coach for 25 years. She was ready to be the head coach, and he gave me this opportunity, and that’s something that I will never, ever take for granted, and I just thank him dearly for putting me up here and giving us this chance to come together again and accomplish excellence.”
