Albert Jones named Lock Haven’s Interim Director of Athletics

LOCK HAVEN – Albert Jones ’99 has been named the interim director of athletics at 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 Lock Haven, Gioglio announced in February that he will retire from The Haven, effective August 30.

“We are pleased to have an individual with Albert Jones’ experience, dedication and passion for Lock Haven athletics ready to step into the interim athletic director role,” Stephen Lee, vice president for enrollment management and Lock Haven campus administrator said. “Albert has a long history of dedicated support for Lock Haven athletics and we look forward to seeing him successfully lead the department through the leadership change with Dr. Tom Gioglio’s retirement.”

“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.”

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 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.

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.