Cal State East Bay proudly introduces a series titled Pioneer Spotlight. With the 2024-25 academic year approaching, the first edition for the series features Cal State East Bay Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Allison Kern.
Entering her fourth year overseeing the department at Cal State East Bay, Kern is excited about the progress the Pioneers have accomplished in recent years.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of Pioneer Athletics. In the last couple of years, we have seen an explosion of engagement from alumni and broken fundraising records for the program three consecutive years in a row! We’re thrilled about all of the people who want to be a part of what’s happening in our program right now. We’ve had the best finish in the CCAA Commissioner’s Cup since joining the league.
We’ve made several major facilities improvements, including a new gym floor and video board in Pioneer Gym and we’ve upgraded our baseball and softball fields. If you haven’t caught us digitally, we’re telling incredible stories on social media and providing more opportunities for our student-athletes to showcase the amazing things they do. I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s coming up this year.”
Kern also is excited about the strong connection between the Hayward community and the Pioneers.
“Being involved with the City of Hayward is an important part of our identity as Pioneers. Hayward is also experiencing a lot of growth and change right now. We want to be an integral part of community building in a way that the community feels that connection with us as well.
Our student-athletes participate in Childspree, a back-to-school initiative in conjunction with the Hayward Youth and Family Services Bureau and Hayward Rotary. They also read to elementary school children in the Hayward Unified School District, volunteer for street fairs sponsored by the Hayward Chamber of Commerce, and work the Hayward Rodeo through the Rotary Club. Our goal this year is to continue to grow a dynamic partnership with the city and see more community members at our events!”
There are many exciting times upon the Cal State East Bay and Hayward community, and the leadership of Allison Kern will be an integral force behind them in 2024-25.
