Montclair, NJ – Montclair State Director of Athletics Holly Gera will retire effective January 1, 2019. Her announcement will close out a trailblazing career spanning three decades at the University as she helped elevate MSU's programs to new heights both on and off the field.
Gera, who oversees the operations of the 18 sports for men and women returned to her alma mater in 1989 in the position of Director of Campus Recreation. The following year, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics and, in 1995, Gera was appointed Associate Athletic Director administering the day-to-day internal operations of the department. In 1996, Gera was named Director of Athletics becoming the first female to hold that position in program history.
"I can't say enough positive things about Montclair State University and how much this institution and its people mean to me," said Gera. Over the past thirty years I have met wonderful students, alumni and colleagues. Many of them have become dear friends."
During her tenure, Gera has been responsible for many developments within the athletics department, including the construction of the MSU Soccer Park and the MSU Softball Stadium and major renovations to Sprague Field and the Panzer Athletic Center. Montclair State hosted the 2009 NCAA Division III Softball Championship and the 2012 Division III Women's Lacrosse Championship. MSU is scheduled to host the 2020 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship.
"While I am very sorry to see Ms. Gera retire, I am extremely grateful for all that she has done to develop and lead an extremely successful athletic program," said Dr. Karen Pennington, Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. "She has provided excellent leadership and athletic opportunities for students and professionals, always offering firm guidance, intelligence and integrity to all. I wish her many days of happiness and good health in the future."
Under Gera's watch, Red Hawk programs flourished winning 50 conference championships while producing 15 NCAA individual champions and over 200 named All-Americans in their respective sports. All 18 of Montclair State's sports appeared in the NCAA Tournament during her tenure, 11 reaching the national finals including baseball which captured the Division III title in 2000. MSU student-athletes were among the best and brightest away from the playing venue as well with 21 selected as Academic-Americans in addition to several teams lauded for their work in the surrounding communities.
"I can honestly say that Holly is one of the top athletic administrators that I have ever had the privilege of working with in all of my years in intercollegiate athletics," said NJAC Commissioner Terry Small. "She is a person that always put the student-athlete first when it came to her decision-making. Her leadership and vision have undoubtedly been the driving force of MSU athletics over the years. She also has been one of the most loyal and service-oriented individuals in the NJAC, having served in just about every role that one can possibly serve in when it comes to our conference governance. But most of all, I consider myself lucky to call her a friend and someone for whom I have the utmost respect and admiration."
Gera has been honored by several organizations, including being named the Division III Southeast Region General Sports TURF AD of the Year award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in June 2006. That fall, she received the Jostens Female Administrator of the Year award from the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). She was also the recipient of the Pathfinder Award for the state of New Jersey in 2004 from the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports and the Garden State Award for Contributions to Athletics in 2001.
Gera served on several committees including her position as the Past President of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators, Treasurer of the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women; and Vice President of the Collegiate Athletic Administrators of New Jersey. She was a member of the ECAC Board of Directors from 2002 through 2005 and was a member of the NCAA Championships Committee. Gera was also the chairperson for several New Jersey Athletic Conference sports including men's and women's swimming and diving, softball and field hockey.
"In looking back, the most meaningful memories I have surround relationships, shared experiences and challenges weathered together," added Gera. My work gave me energy, gave me purpose, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. I am very much looking forward to this next phase of life and all of the adventures yet to come. Carpe Diem!"
