The Stetson athletics department announced the promotion of James Stem and the hiring of Jessica Tucker to the Hatters staff on Friday morning.

Stem, who has been the Director of Operations and Facilities at Stetson since February of 2011, was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Operations and Facilities.  In the position, Stem will continue to oversee all facets of event operations and facilities for Stetson Athletics.  He will oversee two-full time employees, ticket sales, concessions, and a student staff of over 30.

"James is a young professional who has shown great capacity for organization and managing of events," Director of Athletics Jeff Altier said.  "We're excited about giving him expanded responsibilities and duties, as well as supervising additional staff.  I'm looking forward to working with James over the next several years as he continues to develop into an outstanding administrator."

Stem is a 2009 graduate of Winthrop University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Sports Management.

Tucker, a former Stetson Softball player and 2011 graduate of the University, begins this August as Academic Coordinator for the athletics department.  She will act as a liaison to the Student Success Center, Registrar's Office, Office of Admissions, and the Financial Aid office to ensure the opportunity for student-athlete academic success at Stetson.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson in 2011, Tucker began working towards a Master of Education in Reading, and is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2013.  She has also worked as a Graduate Assistant Academic Counselor in the Academic Resources Center at Stetson since June of 2011, as a tutor for A+ Tutor U, and an intern at both Freedom and Woodward Elementary in DeLand.