Penn State Abington Director of Student Affairs Gina Kaufman announced the appointment of alumna Erin Foley as the director of athletics, intramurals, and recreation, effective July 12, 2021.
"We are excited to welcome Erin back to Abington as the director of athletics, intramurals, and recreation. Erin's leadership and experience are a perfect match for our dynamic athletic and recreation programs," Kaufman said.
As an undergraduate, Foley competed on the Abington softball and basketball teams prior to completing her degree at University Park in 2000.
"I would like to thank Abington Chancellor Margo DelliCarpini, Director of Student Affairs Gina Kaufman, and the search committee for the opportunity to return home to serve my alma mater. I am honored to be selected as the next director of athletics, and I'm excited to start working with the student athletes, faculty, and staff at Penn State Abington," Foley said.
Foley arrives at Abington from Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, where she was athletics director. She also served there as interim director of athletics and assistant director of athletics, overseeing athletics operations and facilities. At Howard, she participated in the strategic planning and development of a new $101 million math and athletics building, the addition of esports, and raised the men's and women's soccer programs to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) scholarship sports in 2020. She was nominated as an inaugural NJCAA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador for Region 20 in 2021.
Prior to her time at Howard, Foley was the athletic director for Notre Dame of Maryland University. She provided leadership and oversight for eight NCAA Division III athletic teams, campus wellness initiatives, and budget operations. She also served as the interim associate vice president for student life, wellness coordinator, assistant softball coach, and athletic trainer. Foley added women's cross country to the university's mix of sports and worked with the advancement office to fundraise for Notre Dame's Civera Fitness Center.
Foley earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Penn State and a master's of education in sport and recreation administration at Temple University.
