ROANOKE, Va. --- Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Hammer has announced that Bill Mannino is the new Athletic Director at Hollins University.

During the 2014-2015 academic year, Mannino served with distinction as the acting athletic director and chair of the physical education department at Hollins.  He has been a member of the Hollins athletic department since he was named head golf coach in 2007.  In addition to leading the golf program, he has been a physical education instructor, faculty representative to the Student Athlete Advisory Council, and chair of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference women’s golf coaches.

“I am absolutely convinced that Bill is the leader that this very talented team needs and we are very excited about the vision he brings to athletics,” Hammer said. “His work last year was extraordinary as we made progress in many areas.  We are grateful that after careful consideration, he has now accepted the AD position on a permanent basis. With his knowledge and expertise, and working in close collaboration with our coaches and staff, I have every confidence that Bill will guide Hollins Athletics to continued success.”

Mannino began overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Hollins athletic department in July 2014.  During his term as acting athletic director, the department made three new hires, numerous facility upgrades, and an overall upgrade of games management for home events.

“I look forward to leading such an outstanding staff and working in conjunction with senior administration to help move our athletic programs forward,” Mannino said. “I feel that if we can continue the momentum that we established last year, we have a great opportunity to improve the student-athlete experience and produce teams that our fans and alumnae can really get behind in terms of support and a feeling of pride in their alma mater.”

Mannino graduated from Temple University in 1997 after a distinguished collegiate golfing career and went on to compete as a professional.  He returned to his alma mater to serve as head golf coach from 2001 – 2004. Since becoming golf coach at Hollins, he has led a pair of golfers to the NCAA national tournament and seen three golfers earn All American Scholar status.

--- This release is courtesy of the Hollins University sports information department. ---
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