PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics has announced the promotion of Matt Colagiovanni to Deputy Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, recognizing his leadership, institutional knowledge, and decades of service "On the Banks."
 
Colagiovanni is in his 25th year with Rutgers Athletics, most recently serving as Deputy Athletic Director for Facilities, Capital Projects and Internal Operations, providing sport administration, strategic planning, and facility oversight for the Scarlet Knights' 24-sport program.
 
"Matt's effectiveness, institutional knowledge and mentality, have made him an invaluable member of our leadership team," said Director of Athletics Keli Zinn. "He is a tireless worker whose commitment to the department and the student-athlete experience is second to none. This promotion is recognition of his impact to the past, present and most importantly, the future of Rutgers Athletics."
 
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in my new role as Chief of Staff," said Colagiovanni. "My family and I have called Rutgers and this wonderful community home for nearly 25 years. I am especially excited and thankful about the future of our department under Keli's leadership. Her vision and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly guide us toward continued growth and success. There are countless individuals across the Rutgers community to whom I owe sincere thanks for their support, mentorship, and encouragement throughout the years. I look forward to moving ahead together, advancing the mission and values that make Rutgers such an extraordinary institution."
 
In his new role as Chief of Staff, Colagiovanni will serve as a key strategic advisor to the Director of Athletics, leading internal planning, policy development, and department-wide operational alignment. He will also oversee the external units within the athletic department. His work will ensure that Rutgers Athletics continues to operate efficiently and strategically during a period of growth and transformation within collegiate athletics.
 
Throughout his career, Colagiovanni has played an integral role in shaping the infrastructure and operations of Rutgers Athletics. He has overseen numerous capital projects, managed the daily operations of a 55-member facilities staff, and provided administrative leadership for several sport programs, including football, men's basketball, men's soccer, men's lacrosse and track and field.
 
In addition to his work on campus, Colagiovanni has been recognized nationally, serving on the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Committee, including three years as chair, and representing Rutgers on the Big Ten Olympic Sports Oversight Committee. In 2024, he was appointed to the Rutgers Presidential Search Committee, which led to the hiring of current university president Dr. William F. Tate IV.
 
Colagiovanni served as the acting Athletic Director in Summer 2025, guiding the department through a key transition period.
 
Prior to joining Rutgers, Colagiovanni began his career at Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as Assistant Facility Manager overseeing recreational and athletic facilities.
 
A native of North Providence, Rhode Island, Colagiovanni earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Education in Sport Administration from Wichita State University.
 
About Rutgers Athletics
The Rutgers Department of Intercollegiate Athletics (Rutgers Athletics), comprised of 24 men's and women's varsity sports serving more than 730 student-athletes, is a member of the Big Ten Conference and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Rutgers is the Birthplace of College Football, hosting the first-ever collegiate matchup on Nov. 6, 1869, a 6-4 victory over Princeton. Rutgers Athletics is uniquely positioned in the nation's largest media market with over seven million television households, along with access to Big Ten Network and its nearly 60 million homes across the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1766, Rutgers University is the State University of New Jersey and eighth-oldest higher education institution in the country. As a premier academic institution, Rutgers is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for all of the latest news and updates. Also visit ScarletKnights.com for additional information on Rutgers Athletics.