Story Links EWING, N.J. – Liz Shatkus has been named Director of Athletics at TCNJ, Vice President for Student Affairs Sean Stallings announced Wednesday. Shatkus becomes the sixth full-time athletic director for the Lions in the history of the department. Shatkus, who will officially undertake her new responsibilities on January 1, 2025, aims to enhance the […]
EWING, N.J. – Liz Shatkus has been named Director of Athletics at TCNJ, Vice President for Student Affairs Sean Stallings announced Wednesday. Shatkus becomes the sixth full-time athletic director for the Lions in the history of the department.
Shatkus, who will officially undertake her new responsibilities on January 1, 2025, aims to enhance the department’s commitment to the student-athlete experience and their continued success; elevate TCNJ’s competitive presence at the conference, regional and national level; and foster the holistic development of its student-athletes.
“I would like to thank President Michael A. Berstein and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sean O. Stallings for this incredible opportunity,” said Shatkus. “I would also like to thank the athletics staff, coaches and our many partners across campus for their support over my first six-plus years at the college. I am grateful and thrilled to step into this new role and lead the TCNJ Lions.”
Shatkus came to TCNJ in 2018 as Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Planning before being promoted to the position of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations in August of 2020. She was named the interim Director of Athletics this October before her appointment to the permanent role.
During her time at TCNJ, Shatkus has spearheaded initiatives that have enhanced the student-athlete experience, improved revenue generation and fundraising efforts, and streamlined facilities and event operations.
Recognizing the importance of holistic development, Shatkus organized initiatives to elevate the role of athletic events in fostering a sense of community and school pride while also ensuring all facilities and equipment operations continued to run seamlessly.
Shatkus has extensive experience and expertise in event management and has been instrumental in the planning and execution of the athletic department’s most important projects. Some of her standout achievements during her time in Ewing have been overseeing the planning and construction of seven capital projects, including a full renovation of the Hall of Champions in an effort to shine a spotlight on the College’s rich tradition of success and provide a touchstone for fans, visitors and former and current student-athletes alike to celebrate their unique place in TCNJ history.
Also included in the Hall of Champions renovation was a state-of-the-art weight room designed to meet the evolving needs of all of TCNJ’s student-athletes. This facility not only improved training capabilities but also became a hub for team building, resilience and performance excellence.
Other projects included renovations and replacements of the artificial turf at Lions Stadium and the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex, track resurfacing at the Track and Field Complex, a filtration replacement at the Aquatic Center and branding initiatives for all facilities.
Shatkus also implemented and directed the ticket and concessions operations, moving to online digital ticket sales and running concessions for all events that generated additional revenue for the department with the overarching goal to enhance the student-athlete experience.
In addition to hosting a litany of regular-season events, NJAC championships and NCAA Tournament games, Shatkus also was key in hosting numerous special events both on- and off-campus including Commencement, Convocation, Special Olympics, the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony and the annual Athletics Golf Outing.
Before arriving in Ewing, Shatkus worked in the athletic department at Villanova University from 2011 to 2018, elevating to Director of Facilities and Operations by the end of her tenure. At Villanova, she was responsible for all logistics for game operations, scheduling, facility maintenance and outside events for 24 varsity sports, seven athletic facilities, and a host of campus activities. During her final two years, she managed gameday operations for men’s basketball at The Pavilion and Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
At Villanova, Shatkus managed numerous conference and national championships including two NCAA Men’s College Cups, three Big East Track and Field Championships, three Big East Soccer Championships and three Women’s Basketball NIT Tournaments. In addition, she worked on five facilities renovations: Talley Athletic Center, Finneran Pavilion, baseball locker room, soccer complex, and track and field locker room and office space.
“After careful consideration of Liz’s extensive background in athletic administration, deep familiarity with TCNJ’s athletic programs, and breadth of knowledge of NCAA regulations, I feel confident she will lead the department into a new era of success, while supporting her students as both scholars and athletes,” Stallings said.
“Her tenure at TCNJ has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the department’s operations, strategic goals, and the needs of student-athletes. She has garnered the full endorsement of coaches and administrators alike, who recognize her commitment to excellence and her ability to foster a collaborative environment.
“Her efforts in cultivating team development and supervising multiple varsity programs have been instrumental in creating a positive and competitive atmosphere for student-athletes. I am confident that Liz will lead the athletic department with integrity, passion, and a commitment to excellence. We are fortunate to have her continue in this expanded capacity.”
The former Liz Masucci graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in sports media in 2010 and a master’s degree in sports management in 2011. She was a four-year member of the Bombers women’s soccer team. Born and raised in New Jersey, she also won a state title as a member of the New Providence High School varsity girls’ soccer team, with the championship game being played at TCNJ, and two state titles in the pole vault. She now resides across the river in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Liz is a passionate, thoughtful and talented leader who will continue to prioritize the student-athlete experience while supporting the needs of the coaching staff and campus community. Over the past 6 years, Liz has played an integral role in the success of TCNJ Athletics – she has the knowledge, skills and vision to continue leading the program to great heights. I have no doubt the Lions will thrive under her leadership.”
-Amanda DeMartino, Harold Alfond Director of Athletics | Colby College
“Through her leadership and service at TCNJ, the Lions have continued to be nationally competitive athletic program which has experienced a tremendous level of success both on the NJAC and NCAA Division III. Most importantly, she has helped TCNJ’s athletic program achieve this success at one of the most academically prestigious institutions in the State of New Jersey. As a person who currently works with some of the top collegiate athletic administrators in the nation, I can honestly say that Liz’s organizational skills and leadership abilities are among the finest of any individual that I have ever encountered in either collegiate or professional athletics.”
-Terry Small, Commissioner of the New Jersey Athletic Conference
“Liz has performed at levels and tasks far beyond what I have ever witnessed. One of the most remarkable characteristics I have found about Liz is that she always gets the job done regardless of the task, or tasks, at hand. Liz is an indispensable member of our department. She will not only rise to every challenge; she will contribute to and exceed expectations.”
-Sharon Pfluger, Head Field Hockey & Lacrosse Head Coach | The College of New Jersey
“Liz is one of the most responsible, hardworking, and genuinely kind-hearted individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Her commitment to excellence is unmatched; she approaches every task with a level of dedication and care that inspires everyone around her. Liz consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of her team while prioritizing the wellbeing of those she works with.
What truly sets Liz apart is her character. She leads with integrity, treats everyone with respect, and is always willing to lend a helping hand. She’s the kind of leader who earns your trust and motivates you to do your best because you see how much she gives of herself.”
-Joe Galante, Head Wrestling Coach | The College of New Jersey
“I was very fortunate to work with Liz when I served as Senior Associate AD at Villanova. Her position at Villanova required an individual that could deal with all university constituencies through well-coordinated planning and communication. With 24 sports, Liz was tasked with working with each team in all phases of program support. She quickly earned the respect of the coaching staff and campus community due to her foresight, vision, and diligent work. It was obvious that Liz had the tools to thrive and lead in the University community. With these transitioning times in collegiate sports, Colleges need leaders like Liz guiding their athletic departments.”
-Bob Steitz, Vice President, Operations | Philadelphia 76ers
“Watching Liz combine her passions for sport, education student-athlete development has been an absolute pleasure. Her tenacious yet mature approach to every challenge she faces is truly inspiring. She is and has always been a problem solver. Liz consistently brings innovative solutions to the table ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed expectations. Her ability to navigate complex issues with ease and professionalism makes her an invaluable asset to any team.”
-Mindy Quigg, Head Women’s Soccer Coach | Ithaca College
