Nelle Stahura was promoted to associate athletic director for compliance and student-athlete development June 16, 2020.
“We’re extremely excited that Nelle has decided to serve our department in a senior athletics administrative capacity,” RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris King said at the time of her appointment. “She is well-respected and liked by her colleagues in the department and throughout campus and her care for the student-athletes in the rowing program has been exemplary. We’re thrilled that now all of our coaches and student-athletes will benefit from her administrative and leadership abilities and skill sets.”
Stahura spent five years as head coach of the RMU rowing program and overall has spent nine years with the program. She was named head coach Oct. 27, 2015, after spending the previous four years as an assistant coach.
During her time as head coach with the Colonials, Stahura helped oversee the development of the Midge McPhail Boathouse on Neville Island, the home for the Robert Morris rowing program. At the 2019 Metro Atlantic Athletic Championships (MAAC), each of the three boats to compete, the Varsity 8, Second Varsity 8 and Varsity 4, advanced to the Grand Final for the first time in program history. The Second Varsity 8 highlighted the championships by earning bronze with a time of 7:26.521.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to get started in a new role within RMU Athletics,” Stahura said. “As a former student-athlete and coach at Robert Morris, I have a vested interest in the success of this university and, most importantly, in the wellbeing and development of our student-athletes. Chris’ leadership and focus on the holistic development of student-athletes has completely shifted my perspective on what a career in athletics administration could look like. Under his leadership and vision, we have already seen significant enhancements in the areas of student-athlete welfare, student-athlete success and the student-athlete experience. I’m excited to play a key role in these efforts for all student-athletes moving forward.”
Stahura, a native of Butler, Pa., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a concentration in advertising from Robert Morris in 2007. She was a four-year letterwinner with the rowing program, earning team most valuable player (MVP) honors as a sophomore in 2004-05 while serving as team captain during her senior season in 2006-07.
“As a fellow alum, I have appreciated the value Chris has placed on partnering with the larger RMU community to enhance the experience of all students, as well as RMU’s reputation in the Pittsburgh region,” Stahura said. “I’ve been blessed to have built relationships with many talented and passionate individuals across campus, and I’m looking forward to working closely with them to accomplish these goals. Thanks to Chris for this opportunity, as I’m excited to work alongside and learn from him as well as Chelsea Blakely and the entire athletics staff in this new role.”
Prior to joining the staff at Robert Morris, Stahura worked in the private sector, serving as an advertising account manager with Euro RSCB Worldwide in New York, N.Y., on brands like Excedrin. She also worked at the New York Stock Exchange.
