Lenoir-Rhyne appoints interim athletic director

Lenoir-Rhyne is pleased to announce the appointment of Roachel Laney as the university’s Interim Athletic Director. This appointment comes as LR embarks on a national search for a permanent athletic director to lead its Division II athletics program.

Laney brings almost 30 years of experience in college athletic administration. He served as athletic director at Appalachian State University for 14 years and worked on organizing committees for the Southern Conference as well as the NCAA. More recently, Laney served as the inaugural director of the Boone Area Sports Commission and worked for nine years as director of Gameday Quality Control for the Carolina Panthers.

In addition, Laney is an avid volunteer and coach with the Watauga County Special Olympics and has been a referee and umpire for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Originally from Cheraw, South Carolina, Laney graduated from Catawba College, where he was a three-sport athlete. He was also a football assistant under the tutelage of legendary Air Force Academy and Hall of Fame Coach Fisher DeBerry.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Roachel’s experience, knowledge and skill set to lead our intercollegiate athletic program during this time of transition,” said Lenoir-Rhyne President Fred Whitt. “His rich background in athletic administration at the NCAA D1 level will be invaluable as we continue to build upon our strong athletic tradition of excellence.”

Laney will begin his duties officially on Monday, Sept. 23, and will continue until the search for a new athletic director is completed. Former Vice President for Athletics Kim Pate resigned her position September 17.

“I am honored to have been asked to join the Lenoir-Rhyne University family during this period of transition,” said Laney. “I look forward to working with and supporting the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, boosters, and the LR fans across the region that have contributed to the building of an outstanding athletic program. I know President Whitt’s strong support of athletics and his commitment to excellence on and off the field, as well as his commitment for continuing the trajectory of athletic success at LR. Go Bears!”