HICKORY, NC - After joining the staff as a graduate assistant in August, Eli Stone has officially been promoted to the Director of Athletic Operations.

"I am extremely excited to be able to to continue working at Lenoir-Rhyne in this full time role," states Stone. "I would like to thank Jake Berry and the rest of the administrative staff for trusting me in this role, and I look forward to helping the LR athletic department continue to grow and be one of the best in DII."

In this role Stone will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and strategic planning of athletic facilities. He and his staff ensure that all athletic venues are safe, well-maintained, and optimized for both athletic events and training activities. In addition, Stone collaborates with coaches, administrators, and external partners to enhance the athletic experience for student-athletes, staff, and spectators.

Stone joined Lenoir-Rhyne after graduating in December 2023 from Appalachian State with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and a minor in Sport Science. During his time at App State, he was actively involved in the athletic department, serving as a student equipment manager for football from 2020 to 2022, interning with the marketing department in the fall of 2023, and working as a Strategic Communications Assistant in the spring of 2024.