Kutztown University names Renee Hellert its director of athletics

Brian Smith, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Feb. 25—Kutztown University has named Renee Hellert its director of athletics, university president Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson announced in a press release Thursday.

Hellert, 41, will be the first woman to oversee men's and women's sports in KU history. She will begin March 29.

She replaces Greg Bamberger, who resigned in August to take a similar position at Fairmont State in West Virginia. Bamberger had been Kutztown's athletic director since May 2005.

Hellert comes to Kutztown after serving as the associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator at Moravian College for four years.

"I am humbled and honored to lead Kutztown University as its next director of athletics," Hellert said in the release. "KU has a rich tradition of athletic and academic success and I am deeply committed to continuing this tradition, while elevating the department to new heights. I am eager to work with the athletic staff and the campus community to deliver an amazing student-athlete experience."

Prior to her time at Moravian, Hellert served in various administrative positions at New England College, her alma mater, from 2002-17.

Hellert played four seasons of basketball for the Pilgrims. She graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and sport and recreation management. She received a master's in business — organizational management from the school, located in Henniker, N.H., in 2002.

"Renee is an excellent choice to carry on the strong tradition of Kutztown University athletics," Hawkinson said in the release. "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."

"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.