East Meadow resident to lead athletics at Queens College

Robert Twible, of East Meadow, has been appointed as interim director of athletics at Queens College.

“Choosing Rob to take on the interim athletic director role was an easy decision. Rob’s dedication to and support of our student athletes, as well as his commitment to Queens College, ensure that the department is in very good hands,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Adam Rockman.

Twible graduated from the institution in 1997, earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education, and has been employed there since. His most recent position was the associate athletics director for facilities and operations.

Under Twible’s custodianship, Queens College has undergone significant facility renovations that have generated over $1 million, annually, for the institution. The most dramatic improvements have been made to FitzGerald Gymnasium, where each gymnasium has been upgraded with new flooring, spectator bleachers, and scoreboards. To this date, Twible has overseen over ten million dollars’ worth of athletic facility upgrades.

Twible’s main roles as athletic director will include overseeing the daily responsibilities for many of the college’s athletic programs, including men’s and women’s tennis, men’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, softball, baseball and women’s lacrosse. He is also the athletic department’s liaison for campus facilities, campus security and building and grounds, and has an integral role in the hiring of staff members for the athletic department.

Queens College is the only Division II school in the City University of New York. Therefore, Twible will also act as the East Coast Conference’s sports chairperson for tennis.

“We are fortunate to have had two such committed staff members working so closely with and inspiring our talented and hard-working student-athletes. Rob’s record of advocating for them and our program makes him an excellent choice to serve as Interim Director of Athletics,” said President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez.

New projects that Twible plans to spearhead include a renovation of the school's outdoor track facility and an upgrade for the soccer fields to replace the grass fields with an artificial turf surface.

“I want to thank Dr. Rockman and the administration for this great opportunity,” Twible said. “I look forward to building on our successes and helping with the transition for the permanent athletic director.”

Twible will be replacing China Jude, former assistant vice president and director of athletics for the past seven years, who has joined the University of Wyoming in Laramie. A national search will be conducted by the College for the permanent post.

-Brian Stieglitz