CU-Lock Haven Names Albert Jones Interim Director of Athletics

Lock Haven alumnus Albert Jones has been named the interim director of athletics at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, effective August 31.

Jones' appointment follows the announcement of Tom Gioglio's retirement. Currently in his ninth year as director of athletics at CU-Lock Haven, Gioglio announced in February that he will retire from The Haven, effective August 30.

Additionally, it has been announced that Kenny Hall will serve as acting chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

"Thank you to Albert Jones for his willingness to serve CU-Lock Haven as interim athletic director. He brings a strong record of experience with Lock Haven athletics as a former student-athlete, volunteer and long-time supporter," CU President Bashar W. Hanna said. "Albert's strength as a leader and role as CU's chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer ably equip him to guide the athletic department and support our student-athletes and coaches."

We also appreciate and thank Kenny Hall for his willingness to lead the office of diversity, equity and inclusion during this interim period. Kenny's experience and leadership will allow us to continue to make a positive impact on our students," added Hanna.

Since July of 2021, Jones has served as Commonwealth University's chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

No stranger to the Lock Haven athletics community, Jones a former Bald Eagle football standout, has remained close to the department as a volunteer and member of the Lock Haven Athletics Hall of Fame Committee, among serving in many other important roles.

Prior to being named the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Commonwealth U, Jones held the title of human resources manager at West Pharmaceutical Services. He earned an undergraduate degree in business management from The Haven in 1999 and a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in 2003. Following his graduation from Lock Haven, Jones returned to his alma mater as the director of human and cultural diversity. He was later named assistant to the president for social equity in 2003 before transitioning to the role of associate director of human resources from 2008-2013.

"It is an honor and privilege to work alongside the coaches and athletic department staff at Lock Haven as interim athletic director," Jones said. "I am excited to support the more than 500-plus student-athletes on their path towards success academically in the classroom, and on the field of competition."

Lock Haven will launch a national search for the permanent director of athletics at the start of the spring '25 semester.

During the interim period, Jones will focus on learning as much as possible from the athletics department staff, coaches, student-athletes and university leadership to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the high standards of excellence Lock Haven athletic programs are known for.

Currently, Hall serves as the executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion at CU-Lock Haven.

Lock Haven's office of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) was formed in 2020, and Hall was named the interim director shortly thereafter. The office serves as a resource and advocate for the university community to voice their concerns, present and work through issues, create policies, and help ensure that the plans and decisions made by the university take into consideration the need to be a more inclusive campus and a vehicle for change.

Hall, a 1994 Lock Haven graduate with degrees in business administration and accounting, began his career at his alma mater following graduation as an assistant director of admissions. Hall served in that position for eight years before transitioning to the position of director of the office of human and cultural diversity and later was named the director of the center for excellence and inclusion.

"Albert has built an excellent team and culture within Commonwealth University's DEI division," Hall said. "I am excited to continue working with my distinguished DEI colleagues in our mission to create welcoming and inclusive living, learning, and working environments at CU."