July 2, 2008

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Steve Watson has announced the hiring of Michelle Kent as Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support and Student Services at St. Bonaventure.

Kent spent the past two years as an Academic Advisor at James Madison University.

"We are very excited to have Michelle join the St. Bonaventure family," said Watson. "During her entire career, she has demonstrated the ideal skills needed to succeed in this position. Everywhere she has been, she has exceeded expectations and displayed a tremendous work ethic. I have no doubt she'll do the same here and am eager for our student-athletes and coaches to begin working with her."

"I am very excited to be a part of St. Bonaventure University," Kent stated. "Steve Watson and the entire athletic department have been extremely supportive and helpful since I have arrived. I look forward to providing student-athletes with the academic support they need to be successful and enjoy their athletic experience in college."

During her two years in Harrisonburg, Va., Kent worked specifically with the men's basketball team. Under her guidance, the Dukes achieved their highest team grade point average (GPA) in program history. While at JMU, Kent's duties ranged from: monitoring academic progress, providing weekly reports to coaches, communicating with faculty members, assisted teaching a NCAA Life Skills course and monitoring NCAA progress towards graduation.

In 2007, Kent was a nominee for the James Madison University Provost Award for Excellence in Academic Advising. She is also an active member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics.

Kent completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management at the University of Connecticut in 2004 and earned her masters in Education in 2006, with a concentration in Sport Management. Originally from Hinsdale, N.Y., Kent worked with the nationally ranked men's basketball team under head coach Jim Calhoun during her stay in Storrs, Conn. While earning her masters, Kent also assisted the team's academic advisor with class and final exam schedules, tutoring sessions and meetings. Kent was a member of the 2004 National Championship team.