Saint Francis University athletics has been a family affair for the Krimmel clan.

John Krimmel played basketball at Saint Francis and has worked there for the last 18 years, 15 of them in athletics. His oldest brother, Rob, came to the same campus in Loretto, Pennsylvania, to play basketball in 1996 and hasn’t left. He is currently the head men’s basketball coach.

Their father served as director of athletics for the Saint Francis Red Flash from 2005 to 2016. Ken, the middle brother in the family, missed the Saint Francis connection but played basketball at Penn State and is now associate athletic director for compliance at St. Joe’s.

On September 1, John became Neumann’s director of athletics and recreation. Forgive him if he is in Red Flash withdrawal for a while.

“I’ve always aspired to be an athletic director,” he says. “It just had to be at the right institution at the right time. The small, close-knit, faith-based community that kept me at Saint Francis for years drew me to Neumann as well.”

He appreciates Neumann’s emphasis on excellence in competition – and winning – within a values-based campus culture. Although his experience is with a school that competes at the NCAA Division I level, he was searching for a leadership position at a Division III program.

“Division III embodies the very best of the student-athlete experience in higher education,” he believes. “I take a student-centered, holistic approach. I want students to take advantage of internships, study abroad experiences, competitive athletics, and excellent academics.”

Krimmel’s professional wheelhouse is a combination of sports administration, academic support, and leadership development. For the last seven years at Saint Francis, he was senior associate director of athletics for student-athlete and leadership development.

In that role, he was the administrator for four teams, supervised all aspects of the academic support program for more than 500 student-athletes in 23 sports, was the academic advisor for students on 11 teams, and founded the Faculty Athletics Mentor program.

“I enjoy helping students grow personally and professionally and making sure they have the best possible experience during their college years. When they’re connected and involved on campus, they can learn valuable life lessons.”

Born and raised in State College, Pennsylvania, Krimmel holds two degrees from Saint Francis: a BS in marketing (2005) and an MBA (2012). He and his wife Melinda have two children: Kenzie, 7, and Kash, 2.

He is eager to meet the Neumann community and admits that he has already experienced the eastern Pennsylvania version of Franciscan hospitality.

“I want to thank Dr. Domes, Dr. Barnes, the search committee, all the coaches and staff, and everyone I met throughout the search process for entrusting me with this important role at Neumann University. I look forward to the amazing impact we will make together on campus, in the community, and around the world. Neumann is a special place with amazing people, and I look forward to joining the Neumann family."