President's Report Masthead
March 31, 2014

Special events and announcements

9th Annual “Celebrating Women’s Athletics” luncheon a success

Olympic gold medalist and world champion softball pitcher Jennie Finch was the featured speaker at the Ninth Annual Celebrating Women’s Athletics Luncheon on Monday afternoon at the Events Center. The event, which had over 500 attendees, was geared towards raising support for the Binghamton Women’s Scholarship Fund.

At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Finch was a starting pitcher on the United States squad that captured the gold medal. Four years later in Beijing, she was a member of the American team that earned the silver medal. Since 2011, she has worked as a color analyst on ESPN.

During her undergraduate career at Arizona, Finch was a three-time, first-team NFCA All-American (2000-02) and was named the Honda Sports Award Winner twice (2001 and 2002). On the mound, she shattered the NCAA record with 60 consecutive wins and led the Wildcats to the 2001 College World Series title.

On Monday at the Events Center, Finch spoke about the role athletics has played in her life. In the process, she has been able to be a part of the overall growth of women’s athletics through the years.

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Women’s Luncheon video

Jester hired as Assistant AD for Corporate Partnerships

The Binghamton University Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Brian Jester as its new Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Partnerships. He grew up in the local Binghamton area and arrives on campus having spent the past decade in working in college athletics. In addition, Jester has a sales and promotions background extending back nearly a quarter of a century.

“We are fortunate to add Brian as a member of our athletics staff,” Binghamton Senior Associate Athletic Director Dennis Kalina said. “He brings a wealth of experience and success from both the collegiate ranks as well as the private sector. Those factors combined with his energy and enthusiasm will be tremendous assets to athletics, the University and our community.”

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Women’s basketball will have new head coach in 2014-15

Binghamton University Director of Athletics Patrick Elliott announced today that women’s basketball coach Nicole Scholl will not be offered a contract renewal for next season. Scholl just completed the final season under her existing contract. She had served as the Bearcats’ head coach for six years following nine years as an assistant.

“We want to thank Nicole for her 15 years with the University,” Elliott said. “She has always displayed integrity and character and her student-athletes have had noteworthy achievements on the court as well as academically and in the community. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to make a change in leadership as we look to build the program toward future success.”

In six years at the helm, Scholl posted a career record of 68-115.

“We truly appreciate Nicole’s dedication to Binghamton University and our student-athletes,” Elliott said. “We wish her the best of luck in the future.”

A national search for her successor will begin immediately.