Vice President for Athletics Kim Pate has announced the promotion of Justin Hay to the title of Associate Athletic Director for Corporate Relations and Facilities/Game Day Operations. Hay had served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Relations and Facilities/Game Day Operations for the past two years.

"Justin has done an outstanding job leading a number of important initiatives over the past couple of years," said Pate. "He has helped oversee multiple facility projects we've been blessed to advance while also expanding our corporate partnerships. I'm excited about him stepping into this new role and look forward to seeing the impact he has on our student-athlete experience."

Under his leadership, Hay has helped upgrade many facilities. In just 24 months, he oversaw the opening of the Neill McGeachy Sports Performance Center as well as the renovation of Moretz Gym. He oversaw improvements to both the women's soccer and volleyball locker rooms and is currently supervising the renovation of the golf team training space. Most recently, Hay headed up the project to AstroTurf the entire baseball field and managed the removal of the prior surface as well as the installation of the new field. Additionally, he is currently overseeing a renovation to Shuford Gymnasium which includes new paint, lights, sound system, bleachers and a new court.

Despite incredibly challenging times, Justin has managed to expand our corporate partnerships portfolio by adding new community sponsors to support Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics. His success in adding additional corporate partners is primarily tied to his ability to diversify the LR Athletics advertising portfolio through the web stream, in-game promotions, social media, and unique community partnerships. He has excelled in developing relationships with our generous and supportive local business community.

He also heads up the Bears Leadership Academy to help student-athletes develop leadership skills that will not only benefit the sport but will transcend into their future careers and life.