Basketball All-American and Alumna Carol Blazejowski Appointed to University Advancement Position

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Carol Blazejowski, one of the most legendary trailblazers in women's basketball and a Montclair State University alumna, has been named associate vice president for University Advancement at Montclair State, effective February 21, 2011.  In her new position, Blazejowski will help advance the University's mission by developing outreach opportunities and forging strategic relationships.  She will oversee a variety of functions, including marketing, communications, alumni relations, university relations, and partnership development.

"Carol Blazejowski's return to Montclair State following an impressive career as a Hall of Fame basketball player, professional sports executive, and business leader is an exciting opportunity for the University," said Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole.  "We are very pleased to welcome her back, and we believe that her professional reputation and stature as an alumna provide her a unique platform for engaging a variety of constituencies in the dynamic life of the University and for being an exceptional advocate for the importance of public higher education."

Blazejowski was most recently the president and general manager of the New York Liberty, one of the founding Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchises.  As general manager of the team since 1997, she was responsible for building one of the league's most successful franchises with ten playoff appearances, three Eastern Conference Championships, and four WNBA Finals appearances.

Prior to heading up the Liberty, Blazejowski held a variety of roles at the National Basketball Association including the director of women's basketball programs and director of licensing for NBA Properties, Inc.

"I am honored to be returning to Montclair State and to give back to the University that provided me with such an important and enduring foundation as a young student athlete," said Blazejowski. "I have been privileged to learn from outstanding mentors and to be associated with premiere businesses over my long career, and I look forward to bringing those skills to MSU, to help the university build on its rich legacy."

Blazejowski's athletic accomplishments are numerous. She was named an All-American in 1976, 1977, and 1978, and won the first Wade Trophy for the Women's Basketball Player of the Year in 1978.  She was the U.S. Olympic team women's basketball captain in 1980 and holds the men's and women's collegiate single game scoring record in Madison Square Garden with 52 points.  She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, the James A. Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Montclair State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

Blazejowski graduated from Montclair State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.  She resides with her family in Nutley, New Jersey.

Montclair State University

Montclair State offers the advantages of a large university -- a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum with a global focus, a broad variety of superior graduate programs through the doctoral level, and a diverse faculty and student body -- combined with a small college's attention to students.  montclair.edu

SOURCE Montclair State University