Robert Morris University Director of Athletics Susan K. Hofacre, Ph.D., who was instrumental in the Colonials’ joining the Division I ice hockey ranks this season, passed away Jan. 8 after a battle with cancer. She was 54.
Hofacre, one of just 26 female athletic directors at the Division I level, led the Robert Morris athletic department during its greatest expansion. Seven new NCAA Division I athletic programs were added to the school’s roster during Hofacre’s five-year’s at the Colonials’ helm, including the first men’s and women’s Division I ice hockey teams in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Hofacre also oversaw the development of the new track and field at the RMU Island Sports Center and the current construction of Joe Walton Stadium and athletic administration building.
Dr. Hofacre joined the Robert Morris University athletic department in 1989 as its senior women’s administrator, assisting athletic director Bruce Corrie with compliance issues, academic advising, events scheduling and policy development. She also served as department head and professor of sport management.
A native of Aberdeen, S.D., Hofacre earned her doctoral degree from the University of California, Riverside and a Master of Science degree in sport administration from Ohio University. She earned an MBA from Robert Morris University in 1999.
