Akob Named Executive Director of University Affiliate, ESU Student Activity Association, Inc.

Posted by: admin on May 20, 2014, One Comment

The Board of Directors of the East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) Student Activity Association, Inc. announced the appointment of Joseph A. Akob as executive director effective July 1, 2014. ESU Student Activity Association (SAA) has been an independent, non-profit affiliate of the university since 1976. Akob will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic directions for SAA by working with its board of directors, corporate managers and university constituents.

“Joe is an excellent leader that I am confident will ensure continued success to the Student Activity Association,” noted Patricia Baylor, currently the interim SAA executive director. “He relates well with students, and he has mentored many. Joe enjoys helping students develop to their full potential and is truly invested in their success.”

Prior to his appointment as executive director, Akob was the director of the Mattioli Recreation Center at ESU for the past 11 years. In his role, Akob has been responsible for managing the facility’s operational budget of $1.2 million and collaborating with architects and contractors in the design, planning, construction and operation of facility renovations and new projects in excess of $15 million. In addition, he has supervised daily operations of two recreation facilities on ESU’s campus – including the implementation of comprehensive operating policies and procedures for the buildings, risk management protocols and programs, and professional development for staff. Akob came to ESU from Florida Atlantic University in 2003 where he held the position of associate director of campus recreation and teaching gymnasium.

Akob earned his Master of Science in sports administration from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in sports management from Towson University. He holds current memberships with the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), the Pennsylvania Intramural and Recreational Sports Association, the West End Soccer League (youth coach) and was previously a committee chair for the Boy Scouts of America: Cub Scout Pack 102. Akob is also an American Red Cross volunteer.

“We are extremely pleased with SAA’s choice for its new executive director,” said Doreen Tobin, D.Ed., ESU’s vice president for student affairs. “Joe is already intimately familiar with the student affairs division at ESU and has proven time and time again his successful involvement in university initiatives, creating a positive experience for our students, faculty and staff.”

Akob has made numerous campus and conference presentations related to his experiences and expertise in NIRSA. He is an active member of the university’s strategic planning process as well as campus-wide and departmental committees including the university safety committee, orientation, exercise science undergraduate advisory board and the university-wide student recognition awards.

In his new position, Akob will oversee operations of the university bookstore, recreation center, campus card services, student activities programming, university center operations, Stony Acres field campus and the business services of SAA.