JoEllen Rhome entered the role of associate athletic director for the department in January of 2022. Rhome is responsible for day-to-day operations of the unit and the staff’s integration with the University Department of Undergraduate Studies to which the staff co-reports. JoEllen has been a full-time member of the USF Academic Support Services unit since 2017, serving as the academic coordinator for several programs throughout her tenure, including men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s basketball, and the women’s lacrosse program. She also previously served as the tutor coordinator overseeing a staff of 45 student workers. In addition to her athletics responsibilities, JoEllen also serves on a variety of campus boards, including the University Conduct Board and the Council for Academic Advising.
As she pursued her master’s in education in college student affairs at USF in 2011, she was given the opportunity to work as an intern for USF Athletics. It sparked a passion for the athletic academic support industry and love for collegiate athletics. She grew a deeper interest in working with students to help them uncover their purpose and passion. Prior to returning to the department in 2017, she worked with first-year student success and orientation at Florida Southern College and has also served as a campus advisor.
JoEllen earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee (2011) and her Master’s in Education in College Student Affairs from the University of South Florida (2013). She is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education at USF, focusing on the international student-athlete experience.
In her free time, JoEllen enjoys reading, baking, and hopes to visit all 50 states by the time she turns 50. She and her husband, Chip, have two sons: Maverick and Holston.”
