Current Release: April 28th, 2009 | Vol. XXX Iss. 10

Photo By Eric Zitz

Renn fills in as interim athletic director

BY emerald vadella

ebvadella@vwc.edu

Beginning her 13th year at Virginia Wesleyan College, Joanne Renn, known to most as Coach Renn, has been appointed as interim athletic director and now oversees the athletics department at Wesleyan.

After she first jokingly said that no one else wanted the position, she went on to explain that she will get the job done no matter what her title is.

 For me, it really doesn t matter what my title is, said Renn.  I know I have specific responsibilities, and I will fulfill those responsibilities no matter what.

In her 12 years at Wesleyan, Renn described her most memorable time as when VWC hosted the 2004 and 2005 NCAA Women s Basketball Championship.

 Even though it is a genuinely stressful time, hosting national events puts a real feather in Virginia Wesleyan s hat, she said.  The recognition the college receives from these events and being able to share these moments with the campus is what makes them so memorable.

Renn has been working with Division III athletics her entire career.

 It is what I always wanted, she said.  I love DIII philosophy; I could never dream of going anywhere else as far as level is concerned.

During her time here, Renn has befriended and impacted many of the students, faculty and staff at Wesleyan.

 In and out of the classroom Coach Renn has always been very approachable and comfortable to be around, said Senior Zac Green.

Renn hopes to continue the many accomplishments and success of the athletic department.

 I am very excited about this opportunity, she explained.  I believe our staff is wonderful to work with, very professional, great relationships and we all have a lot of fun.

With such a small campus it is easier for people to be directly connected to Renn, which is exactly what she wants.

 I hope it s a congenial relationship with faculty, students and staff, she said.  I would like them to feel comfortable picking up the phone and calling me anytime of the day.

As we kick off the new school year, and athletics are underway, Renn hopes to continue her strong relationship with the campus community.

 As we grow and go through life, I believe we have defining moments everyday, she said.  My defining moment is ongoing, in that I hope to make a positive impact on every student here at Virginia Wesleyan.