Dean Roecker to Retire After Nine Years Leading Regis Athletics; Clemente Named Director of Athletics

WESTON, Mass. – After nine years of dedicated leadership at Regis College, Dean of Athletics Pam Roecker will retire on June 5, concluding a distinguished career in collegiate athletics administration and coaching. Longtime Associate Athletic Director Mark Clemente will assume the role of Director of Athletics following her retirement.

Roecker has overseen Regis' 18 NCAA Division III programs competing in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). During her tenure, she guided the department through its transition into the GNAC, where the Pride have captured five conference team championships. 

Under Roecker's leadership, Regis student-athletes also excelled academically, earning more than 100 GNAC All-Academic selections in six consecutive years, including conference-leading totals in 2020-21 and 2021-22. She has served the GNAC as Women's Basketball Sport Chair and previously chaired the conference's Athletic Directors' Council.

"Pam's steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity, and the Division III philosophy has strengthened Regis Athletics and enriched the experience of countless student-athletes and coaches," said Regis President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. "I am also pleased with the appointment of Mark, whose many years of dedication to our athletes and the entire Regis community make him an outstanding choice for this role."

Prior to arriving at Regis, Roecker served as Director of Athletics and Recreation at Emmanuel College from 2003 to 2015. During her time there, she was named GNAC Executive of the Year in 2014-15 and played a key role in advancing departmental growth and facility improvements. She later served as Athletic Director at Gann Academy, where she led the program to a record number of championships.

Earlier in her career, Roecker held several senior administrative roles at Wagner College, including Assistant Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, Associate Athletic Director, and Compliance Coordinator. In those positions, she gained extensive Division I leadership experience while serving on multiple conference and NCAA committees.

Throughout her career, Roecker has championed the belief that coaches are educators first - mentors who shape student-athletes not only in competition, but also in the classroom and in life. Her leadership consistently emphasized holistic development, academic achievement, and the transformative role athletics plays within higher education. As Roecker concludes her tenure, longtime Associate Athletic Director Mark Clemente will step into the role and continue guiding Regis Athletics forward.

Clemente has long been a central figure within the Regis Athletics Department and the broader campus community. Over his 24-year tenure at the college, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the identity and growth of Regis Athletics. Having witnessed and helped guide the department's transformation from an all-women's institution to a thriving co-educational program, Clemente's impact is woven throughout nearly every aspect of the department today.

He began his Regis career as a coach and has spent the past 16 years in athletic administration, serving in numerous roles that have helped build and strengthen the Pride's athletic programs. Through his leadership, dedication, and deep connection to the institution, Clemente has become a cornerstone of Regis Athletics and a trusted leader within the campus community.

Clemente is also a familiar presence across campus, assisting with major events such as Founders' Day, Regis Fest, and the annual Golf Tournament. In the spring of 2022, he received the Life Saver Award from the Regis College Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment in recognition of his contributions to the campus community.

Walt Horner, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, praised Roecker's impact while expressing confidence in the department's future leadership.

"The entire Regis community extends our deepest gratitude to Pam Roecker for her outstanding leadership and dedication to our student-athletes and institution. As we celebrate her remarkable 40-year career as a coach and administrator, we are also excited to welcome Mark Clemente as our next Director of Athletics. With more than 20 years of service to Regis, Mark brings deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships across campus and the GNAC, and a genuine passion for the success and well-being of our student-athletes. We look forward to the continued growth of Regis Athletics under his leadership."

Additional features highlighting Clemente's appointment and celebrating Roecker's legacy will be released later this semester.