INDIANA, Pa. - Indiana University of Pennsylvania's vice president for Student Affairs, Rhonda Luckey, has announced the appointment of Steve Roach as the school's director of athletics. Previously IUP's interim director, Roach had been working in that capacity since Jan. 10.
 
"Steve's experience, knowledge and passion for IUP and the athletic program provide a strong foundation for the future," Luckey said.
 
"I have been very impressed by the ways in which he has converted vision to action, providing a productive environment for the success of our student-athletes and our coaches, athletic trainers and administrative staff. His commitment to competitive athletic performance, strong academic results and solid citizenship on the part of our student-athletes will serve us well."
 
Currently in his third year at IUP, Roach spent two years as the athletic department's associate director and compliance officer. He had been directing all aspects of NCAA and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) rules compliance with the IUP Crimson Hawks and was directly responsible for all education programs, forms and documents required for national and conference membership.
 
"I would like to thank Dr. Michael Driscoll and Dr. Rhonda Luckey for this opportunity," Roach said. "My experience at IUP has been outstanding, and I am grateful for the support that I have received. I could not wish for a better place to settle my family than here in Indiana, Pa.
 
"IUP has a rich tradition of both academic and athletic success, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue working with our student-athletes, coaches and community to continue to build on that success."
 
Roach currently serves on the United Way of Indiana County Campaign Cabinet for fall 2015 and has been the PSAC baseball liaison since 2008.
 
A 2001 graduate of IUP, Roach came back to his alma mater in February 2013, after spending more than five years as the associate director of athletics at Millersville University. In addition to fulfilling his compliance duties at Millersville, Roach was the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advisor, he served on the NCAA Division II Baseball Regional Advisory Committee from 2006 to 2008, and he was the sport supervisor for baseball, women's basketball, softball and women's volleyball.
 
Roach earned his bachelor's degree in criminology from IUP and a master's degree in sport management from Slippery Rock University in 2005. He also has a post-bachelor of science degree in sport management from California University of Pennsylvania (2010).
 
"I'm incredibly pleased that Dr. Luckey has chosen Steve to lead the Crimson Hawks," IUP President Michael Driscoll said. "It's great when a successful alumnus brings his expertise back to benefit the alma mater and builds strong bonds with the community and alumni. I look forward to greater things to come under his leadership."
 
About IUP Athletics
IUP competes at the NCAA Division II level in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Its 19 varsity sports include baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's golf, women's lacrosse, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming, women's tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, and women's volleyball.
 
About IUP
Founded in 1875, IUP is a vibrant, comprehensive, research-based, teaching-focused, student-centered learning community. 
 
IUP combines the academic opportunities of a large university with the highly personalized and intimate learning-centered environment of a small college.
 
Almost 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in IUP's accredited and nationally recognized programs, and those students enjoy traditional and nontraditional classroom experiences, engage in research and service activities with their faculty mentors, become lifelong learners, prepare for rewarding careers and productive lives, and develop leadership skills for effective citizenship.