NEWARK, NJ – Rutgers-Newark is proud to announce the appointment of Jalon Avent as the new Director of Communications. Avent will serve as the primary media relations contact and will be responsible for the marketing and promotion of Rutgers-Newark's 14 varsity sports. He joins the Scarlet Raiders after serving as the Associate Executive Director of Communications at the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC). 
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Jalon to Rutgers-Newark," said Athletic Director Mark Griffin. "His diverse skill set and extensive background will be instrumental in elevating the Scarlet Raider brand and promoting the accomplishments of our student-athletes."
 
During his time at the MAC, Avent managed the conference's internal and external communications, branding, website, and social media presence. He also supported the administration of the conference's 27 sports and 40 championships. 
 
"I want to thank Mark and the rest of the staff at Rutgers-Newark for the warm welcome," said Avent. "I'm excited about the opportunity to further promote the Scarlet Raider brand and highlight the successes of our student-athletes both in and out of competition."
 
Before joining the MAC, Avent served as the Assistant Athletic Director at Onondaga Community College (OCC) from 2021-2023. In that role, he oversaw the operations and management of all OCC home athletic events, directed communications for the college's 16 sports, and was the point of contact for intramural and club sports.
 
Avent's experience also includes a stint as an assistant football coach at Alfred State College, where he coached the defensive line and managed the team's social media platforms.
 
Avent earned his bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Notre Dame College in 2016, where he was a standout on the football field and received all-conference honors. He went on to earn his master's degree in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland in 2020. 
 
As he steps into his new role at Rutgers-Newark, Avent brings a diverse set of experience, a track record of success, and a deep commitment to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. The Scarlet Raiders are excited to welcome him to the team and look forward to the continued growth and success of Rutgers-Newark's athletic communications under his guidance.