ROCKFORD, Ill. - Rockford University is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Stanek to the role of Director of Athletics, RU President Patricia Lynott stated. Stanek has been employed at Rockford University for the past 18 years and will assume all the roles and responsibilities of school's director of athletics immediately. Her four years as an NCAA athlete and a decade of NCAA Division III head coaching and administrative experience make her the right person to lead the department to new heights over the coming years.

"I would like to thank President Lynott and the Board of Trustees for entrusting me to lead the athletic department," Director of Athletics Jessica Stanek stated. "I am excited for the opportunity to continue to work with our athletic staff, our student-athletes and the entire campus community. I look forward to ushering in a new era of Regent Athletics by building upon our existing partnerships and expanding our visibility throughout the Rockford community." 

Stanek has held the position of Associate Director of Athletics at Rockford University since early 2019. In that role, she was heavily involved throughout campus and within the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). Stanek served as Rockford's Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), was in charge of compliance, eligibility, athletic retention, overseeing multiple sports, home event management and completing yearly reports for the NCAA and other national sport governing bodies. Additionally, she taught classes at the University, served as an academic advisor and was the advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. At the conference level, Stanek was also the NACC SWA chair for three years.

Prior to becoming a full-time administrator, Stanek began her tenure at Rockford University as an assistant women's basketball coach and then spent 11 seasons as the program's head coach. The Regents made five trips to the NACC Tournament, had 11 All-NACC selections, one NACC Freshman of the Year and one All-Region honoree during her tenure. Stanek also served as the assistant director of athletics during her final seven years of coaching.

"I am so pleased to announce that Jess Stanek, has been appointed the new Director of Athletics at Rockford University," President Patricia Lynott stated. "Jess has established herself as a trusted leader within our athletics program, across the RU campus, and within the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Jess brings deep institutional knowledge, a strong connection to our student-athletes and coaches, and a clear vision for the future of Athletics on our campus. Under Jess Stanek's leadership, the Rockford University athletics program will continue to grow in both impact and excellence."

Stanek earned her master's degree in Teaching from Rockford University and her bachelor's degree in Mass Communications with a Coaching minor from Minnesota State University-Mankato. She currently resides in Machesney Park, Ill. with her wife Angela and their children Bryn and Jordyn.