CLAREMORE, Okla. – Longtime Hillcat Athletics employee Dawn Tatro has announced her appointment as Director of Alumni Engagement at Rogers State University.
 
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served our coaching staff and student-athletes over the past several years," Tatro commented about the athletics department. "Working with Dr. Chris Ratcliff, our coaching staff and the entire Athletic Department has been incredibly rewarding, and I am especially thankful for the opportunity to work alongside and build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes. Those experiences, along with the relationships I have made across campus and throughout the Hillcat community, will remain some of the most meaningful parts of my time in Athletics."
 
Tatro has been a vital part of the RSU athletic department since joining in August 2008. She rose to the position of Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator in August 2024. She will make the transition to the new role on Monday, Sept. 14. 
 
"I cannot fully express what Dawn has meant to this department and to me personally," said Dr. Chris Ratcliff, RSU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "She has been our rock and a trusted advisor, providing invaluable support. Simply put, Dawn is irreplaceable. The good news is that she won't be going far; she will continue to support us, cheer us on and lend a listening ear when needed."
 
During her tenure, Tatro has served on several committees, including the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer National Committee and as co-chair of the Super Region 3 Men's Soccer Committee. She also served on the RSU Staff Advisory Council and the RSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and continues her work with the RSU TARC and BIT teams. Additionally, Tatro serves as treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Children's Advocacy Center in Claremore.
 
In August 2017, Tatro was named Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academics following the retirement of Eddie Jackson. She has held multiple roles within the athletic department, including Assistant Athletic Director for Student Development, Director of Athletic Business Operations and Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics. Tatro began her career at Rogers State in March 2007 as the Administrative Assistant for RSU Public Television before joining the athletic department.
 
Tatro's contributions and leadership have left a lasting impact on Rogers State athletics, and she will be missed as she embarks on this new chapter.
 
"I am excited to begin this next chapter as Director of Alumni Engagement, and I am incredibly thankful to Steve Valencia and the hiring committee for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue building on the strong foundation that has been established with the RSU Alumni Association," Tatro said about the new role. "I look forward to strengthening connections with our alumni to build an even stronger Hillcat family. Although my role is changing, my commitment to Rogers State and its students, student-athletes, and alumni remains unwavering."
 
The nationwide search for the next Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance is underway. Applicants can access the job link at: Employment Position Application - Display Form | RSU Employment Opportunities | RSU Jobs | MyRSU.