Information Provided By Merrimack Sports Information


NORTH ANDOVER, MA -- Glenn A. Hofmann, former associate athletics director, external relations at Niagara University, has been named athletic director at Merrimack College, it was announced today by President Ronald O. Champagne. He will start the position on March 30, 2009.

As athletic director, Hofmann will be responsible for the operations of Merrimack College’s athletic department, which currently sponsors 16 intercollegiate varsity sports (eight for men and eight for women). Fifteen of the sports compete at the NCAA Division II level while men's hockey competes in the NCAA Division I conference, the Hockey East Association. All of the Division II sports compete in the highly competitive Northeast-10 Conference.

Hofmann has served as associate athletics director, external affairs at Niagara University in Niagara Falls, New York since 2005 where he managed and mentored coaches, staff and students; generated new and increased revenue streams; and assisted in all facets of strategic planning, implementation, budgeting and personnel for their NCAA Division I program. A strong fundraiser, Hofmann developed and directed the athletic strategic fundraising plan which resulted in a ten percent increase in annual fundraising and a 21% increased in donors. Under Hofmann’s direction, the overall athletics department external revenue increased by 41% over a two-year period.

Hofmann also served as associate athletics director, external relations at Lehigh University from 1998 to 2005. Prior to that position, he served as assistant athletics director, communications and marketing; and sports information director.

“After an extensive search which included many qualified candidates, I believe we have found an outstanding individual in Glenn Hofmann. I am confident that he will provide strong leadership and lead us to a new level of achievement,” said President Ronald O. Champagne. “Glenn brings the right blend of experience and qualifications which will greatly benefit Merrimack College, but more importantly, our student-athletes.”

Hofmann has a master of arts in sports management from East Stroudsburg University and a bachelor of arts in mass communications from St. Bonaventure University. He also recently successfully completed the NACDA Sports Management Institute and has served as an adjunct professor of sports management at Niagara University.

Sponsoring 15 Division II sports as well as its Division I Ice Hockey program, Merrimack has traditionally been one of the top institutions in the Northeast-10 Conference, finishing sixth in the 2007-08 Northeast-10 Presidents Cup standings, which measures the overall athletic excellence in the Northeast-10 Conference. Merrimack is second in the Presidents Cup standings for the 2008-09 season after the fall athletic season.

The Warriors also have a rich tradition in hockey, with the team competing in the Hockey East Association, the premiere college hockey conference in the country. Merrimack advanced to the NCAA Division I quarterfinals in 1988, the same year the Warriors moved up from NCAA Division II.

"I'd like to thank Dr. Champagne and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to serve as Director of Athletics at Merrimack College. I look forward to continuing Merrimack's great tradition of academic and athletic success,” said Hofmann. “We have a lot of exciting opportunities in front of us, in areas like facility development, fundraising and outreach to alumni and friends in the community. By succeeding in these areas, we will further enhance the student-athlete experience and create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and pride that reflects Merrimack's past, present and future.”

Merrimack has won two NCAA Division II titles, with the hockey team claiming the national championship in 1978 and the softball team winning the title in 1994.

About Merrimack College
Merrimack College is a selective, independent, four-year Augustinian Catholic college offering liberal arts, business, science and engineering programs in a residential campus setting. Located on 220-acres in North Andover, Mass. just 25 miles north of Boston, Merrimack has a student body of 2,000 full-time students.

TRANSACTIONS:
Merrimack: Named Glenn Hofmann Director of Athletics.