Neil Hartman Named Director of Rowan University’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact

Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Neil Hartman has been named Rowan University’s new director of the Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact, filling a role started by founding director Dr. John Giannini, who became interim athletic director in June.

The Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact launched last fall along with the Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication and Media in Rowan’s College of Communication & Creative Arts.

“Sports Communication is a constantly changing industry,” Hartman said. “I’m looking forward to diving in, building on what Dr. Giannini established and helping Rowan students to be on the forefront of this business.”

A graduate of Ithaca College, Hartman has worked in sports media for more than 30 years. Prior to establishing his sports production company Talow Media Group, he spent nearly two decades as the main news anchor for Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. He was also a sports anchor at CBS3 and WPHL-TV and hosted his own radio shows on sports radio WIP. Hartman has earned four Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards and was named Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.

Complimenting Hartman’s role as director, Assistant Professor Yannick Kluch is the Center’s new lead faculty consultant for social impact.

Dr. Kluch (at right) comes to Rowan from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) where he worked in the Office of Inclusion. In 2015 he created We Are One Team (WA1T), a first-of-its-kind, award-winning initiative that utilizes sport to promote diversity, inclusion, and social justice on American college campuses. He earned his Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University.

“In the industry today, diversity and inclusion are invaluable assets that benefit both sports professionals and sports organizations. I look forward to working with Neil to continue creating– between the academic program and the Center–a preeminent sports communication educational experience that promotes positive cultural change not only in the Delaware Valley, but across the US,” Kluch said.

For more information on the center, please visit http:/go.rowan.edu/sportscomm.