CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa department of athletics has announced the promotion of Steve Gearhart to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and Administration.

In his role with the UNI Foundation on behalf of UNI intercollegiate athletics, Gearhart is responsible for major gift solicitation, fundraising for facility enhancements and endowed/annual scholarship fundraising. In addition, Gearhart will assume duties of oversight and administration of some athletic programs and serve as the liaison with the UNItix operation.

UNI Director of Athletics Rick Hartzell said Gearhart is more than deserving of this promotion within the UNI department of athletics. "We are really excited to announce these changes to Steve's position within our department and we are truly happy that Steve will continue to be here with our athletic department team over the next several years," Hartzell said. "His excellent work has been critical in helping UNI athletics attain the level of success that we currently enjoy. This promotion is one that is well deserved. Steve is a key part of this department in every way."

Gearhart helped the Panther Scholarship Club eclipse the one million dollar mark this past year for the first time in the program's history. The Panther Scholarship Club's purpose is to alleviate the financial burden of athletic scholarships to the UNI athletic department. Cash and gift-in-kind donations from individuals and businesses alike help the PSC in this effort.

The Waukon, Iowa, native has also assisted in the development of athletic facilities including the McLeod Center, the Human Performance Center, the football locker room and the Mark Messersmith outdoor track and field complex. The McLeod Center opened in November 2006 and the HPC groundbreaking event occurred in July 2006. Groundbreaking for the football locker room will take place this spring along with additional renovations to the Messersmith track complex.

Gearhart joined the UNI Foundation and athletics staff in November 2001 when he became the Assistant Athletic Director for Development. Prior to taking his current position, he had the same title at the University of Idaho, which he held since May 2000. He also worked at Drake University serving as athletic ticket manager for nine years and the Director of Athletic Development for two years.

He graduated in 1987 from the University of Northern Iowa with an undergraduate degree in public relations with a minor in business and journalism. While at UNI, he was a member of the track and cross country teams, earning all-conference honors. He received his master's in sport administration in 1989 from Kent State University, where he was the Assistant to the Athletic Business Manager.