St. Louis native and Â鶹¹û¶³ alumnus, Lonnie Folks, \u201982, \u201898, has been named director of athletics and recreation at Â鶹¹û¶³.<\/p>\n
After graduating in 1982 with a BS in Business Management from the John E. Simon School of Business, Folks served Â鶹¹û¶³ and the Saints athletic community with distinction for nearly two decades. During his tenure at Â鶹¹û¶³, Folks rose through the ranks to become assistant director of athletics and head coach for women\u2019s soccer and softball, securing four conference titles and two conference tournament titles. He also served as the head women\u2019s basketball coach and sports information director.<\/p>\n
‘I consider this program sacred cargo and will treat it accordingly.’<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Folks continued his successful career at Stockton University where he has worked since 1999. There, he was director of athletic operations, director of athletics and recreation and director for student affairs operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cVarsity athletics, club sports and recreation are a vital component of the on-campus student experience, and I can\u2019t think of anyone better equipped to lead our athletics department,\u201d said President Mark Lombardi, PhD. \u201cLonnie Folks represents the best that Â鶹¹û¶³ alumni and employees have to offer \u2013 passion for education, professional integrity, a drive for excellence and winning and a devotion to their alma mater.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled for the opportunity to come home and be a part of the exciting things happening at Â鶹¹û¶³,\u201d Folks said. \u201cWhile I\u2019ve been away from the physical campus community, the work and growth here have remained important to me. I\u2019d like to thank President Lombardi and the leadership of student life for their confidence in me \u2013 I consider this program sacred cargo and will treat it accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a former student-athlete, Folks was a standout member of the Saint\u2019s men\u2019s soccer and baseball teams and was named Freshman of the Year in 1978 for soccer. As a coach, he was a two-time SLIAC Coach of the Year in both women\u2019s soccer and softball. In 2009, Folks was inducted into the Â鶹¹û¶³ Athletics Hall of Fame. That same year, Â鶹¹û¶³ created the Lonnie Folks Award, an award that honors former student-athletes, coaches or administrators who exemplify good spirit, sportsmanship, stewardship and service.<\/p>\n
In addition to his significant contributions at Â鶹¹û¶³ and Stockton universities, Folks served in numerous leadership capacities with the NCAA and other regional athletic organizations.<\/p>\n