Montclair State University Athletics

Rob Chesney is the Associate Vice President, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Montclair State University, where he leads the merged athletics and recreation departments, including the addition of Bloomfield College – Montclair State University Athletics. With a vision for building a comprehensive and healthy campus lifestyle, Chesney champions opportunities for all students to engage and thrive. He was named Director of Athletics on June 24, 2019 becoming the eighth person at Montclair State to hold the position.

Chesney has overseen major facility projects, including the renovation of Yogi Berra Stadium, Panzer Gym, Dioguardi Track and Field House, Sprague Field, and MSU Soccer Park. He has played a pivotal role in fostering and maintaining the university’s 16-year partnership with the New York Red Bulls, which resulted in the construction of the premier 5,000-seat MSU Soccer Park stadium and new locker facilities—establishing MSU as a top collegiate soccer venue.

A leader in athletic administration, Chesney has managed all aspects of internal operations, planning and budgeting. He has supervised key departments such as Athletic Fundraising, Athletic Communications, Sports Medicine and Game Operations, and has been instrumental in planning and executing fundraising events, including golf outings, department dinners, and the annual Red Hawk Pride Campaign. During his tenure, Chesney has served as Interim Director of Athletics, coordinated NCAA National Championships hosted at Montclair State, and acted as Training Site Coordinator for Copa America Centenario at Met Life Stadium—overseeing logistics for national teams from South America.

A proud Montclair State alumnus, Chesney was one of the university’s finest men’s soccer players, earning All-American honors and being named College Soccer Association of New Jersey Player of the Year in 1989. As head coach of Montclair State Men’s Soccer (1991–2001), and later as assistant coach (2005–2024), he has helped the program to nine NJAC Conference Tournament Championships, ten NJAC Regular Season Championships, and 19 NCAA Tournament appearances—including seven Sweet Sixteens, five Elite Eights, and one Final Four. Chesney was named NJAC Coach of the Year three times and has maintained a vibrant alumni network for the program.

His professional service includes serving as President of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Executive Board and as a member of the NJAC Championship Committee, Budget Oversight Committee, and Officials Committee. He has contributed to the NCAA Soccer Regional Tournament Committee and the ECAC Men’s Lacrosse Committee, and has served as conference chair for women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s swimming & diving. Additionally, he is a member of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, and holds certificates in Sport Incident Management from Texas A&M and Sport Event Risk Management from University of Southern Miss.

Chesney’s honors include induction into the Montclair State University Hall of Fame, selection to the New Jersey Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2022, and the N.J. High School Coaches Association President’s Award for Community Involvement. He is dedicated to enhancing the student-athlete experience, building community partnerships, and elevating Montclair State’s reputation as a leader in collegiate athletics. 

Chesney and his wife Vicki are proud parents of three children; Megan, Ian and Brooke.