ROANOKE, Va. – Myra Sims, Hollins Director of Athletics, recently announced that Robert Sullivan Jr., current cross-country and track & field coach, has been promoted from part-time to full-time, starting Feb. 1. He will also be teaching two physical education classes.

"I am thrilled that Coach Sullivan will become full-time, because he has done outstanding work in his part-time role to lead our cross country program, and to create the brand new indoor and outdoor track & field programs," Sims said. "In fact, it has been amazing to see the progress he has made while serving as a part-time coach.  He is a tireless worker and has a great ability to connect with young women and their families on the recruiting trail.  His experience as a high school coach, his strong leadership skills, and his diligent approach make him a great fit for Hollins.  Our student-athletes will enjoy tremendous benefit from having access to Coach Sullivan on a full-time basis."

Sullivan Jr. joined the Hollins Cross Country coaching staff in March of 2019 and was named the head coach in August 2019. Sullivan Jr. then became the head coach of track & field in November 2019 as Hollins started its first Track & Field program in its 178 year school history.

In his first season as the head cross country coach, most of the runners were able to run season or career best times. In the first track & field season 12 athletes qualified for the schools first ODAC Indoor Track and Field Championship. There were numerous school records set throughout the season while both teams maintained a high academic standing averaging a 3.4 GPA in the fall and spring semester. 10 cross country/track & field athletes were named to the ODAC All-Academic Team and two track & field athletes were named to the VaSID All-Academic Team. The 2020 Hollins Women's Indoor Track team was one of 209 colleges that earned NCAA DIII All-Academic Teams status with a team GPA average of 3.24. He is looking to build on this year's success in the 2020-21 season. Also during the 2020-21 season, Sullivan Jr. will have two assistant coaches join him for track & field. KC Bratton will assist the T&F team as the sprints, jumps and hurdles coach while Teresa Craghead will join the Green and Gold, coaching throwers.

"I feel very honored to work at Hollins full-time helping not only grow the XC/Track & Field program but the opportunity to mentor Hollins student athletes for life past Hollins," Sullivan Jr.  said. "I would like to thank the Hollins administration and Myra Sims for making this opportunity possible. It will be an honor and privilege to work with such a great group of coaches, athletic staff, administrative staff and student athletes at Hollins."

Sullivan Jr. came to Hollins with six years of experience coaching cross country and track & field in high school. At Lord Botetourt High School, he coached numerous all-district, all-region and all-state athletes. The cross country teams finished high in the region and, for the first time in school history, both teams recently qualified for the VHSL cross country meet. Some of his high school runners were able to run on the collegiate level.

He is a USA Track & Field Level One certified coach. He also maintains other professional fitness certifications, while spending the last 20 years in the health, fitness and wellness field. He is still very active in athletic events and is an avid runner, having competed in various road races from the 5k to eight half-marathons since the mid 90's.

Sullivan Jr. is a 1983 graduate of Lord Botetourt High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He and his wife reside in Botetourt County.