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  • Rutgers Names Keli Zinn Athletic Director As Scarlet Knights Eye A New Era Of Integrity

Rutgers Names Keli Zinn Athletic Director As Scarlet Knights Eye A New Era Of Integrity

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Football

(BCSNN) — Rutgers University has appointed Keli Zinn as its new athletic director, ending a year-long vacancy and ushering in a new chapter for Scarlet Knights athletics. Zinn, who previously served as executive deputy athletic director and chief operating officer at LSU, will officially begin her tenure on August 6. Her five-year contract makes her the highest-paid athletic director in Rutgers history, with a starting salary of $1.35 million.

Zinn brings more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics, including leadership roles at West Virginia, Maryland, and the Big East. At LSU, she helped guide the Tigers to four national championships and a top-10 finish in the Director’s Cup for overall athletic excellence. Her tenure was marked by strategic growth in NIL initiatives, revenue generation, and competitive success across multiple sports.

Rutgers President William F. Tate IV, who previously worked with Zinn at LSU, praised her appointment as a transformative moment for the university. “Keli Zinn brings the strategic drive, operational excellence, and championship pedigree we need right now for Rutgers Athletics,” Tate said. “She will guide Rutgers into a new era, tapping into the Rutgers Edge”.

Zinn inherits a department overseeing 24 varsity sports and more than 730 student-athletes competing in the Big Ten Conference. Her immediate priorities include strengthening Rutgers’ NIL infrastructure, expanding fundraising efforts, and enhancing compliance and athlete wellness programs. “Raising revenue and building a competitive NIL program are absolutely critical for our success,” Zinn said. “We must do so in a way that supports both traditional fundraising and capital projects”.

Her appointment follows the resignation of former athletic director Pat Hobbs, who stepped down amid health concerns and an internal investigation. Interim leadership was provided by Ryan Pisarri and Matthew Colagiovanni before Zinn’s hiring was finalized by the Board of Governors.

“I am honored to join Rutgers at this exciting juncture,” Zinn said during her introductory press conference. “Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities. We will compete with the nation’s best and represent the university with integrity and pride in all we do”. With her leadership, Rutgers aims to elevate its athletic profile and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success.