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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The University of Charleston has a new athletic director.

During a news conference Monday, the university announced long-time volleyball coach and associate athletic director Dr. Bren Stevens has been hired to take over the top job.

Stevens tells WSAZ.com she takes over the position with two main goals: get alumni more involved and help the university get a new sports center built.

“Priority number one is to get the Sports & Fitness Center built," Stevens said. "We’re also focused on getting our teams into NCAA championships each year. We have a very passionate, intense group of coaches -- I understand those relationships and look forward to working with all of them.”

Stevens will take on the new role immediately.

Stevens is originally from Massachusetts. She was recruited to play volleyball at the school in 1976 when it was known as Morris Harvey College.

According to a news release, Stevens has held multiple roles at UC, progressing from coaching volleyball and swimming to physical education instructor in 1996, assistant professor of sports administration in 2000 and associate athletic director in 2005.

Stevens has coached the Golden Eagles volleyball team for 19 seasons and holds a career record of 506-210, according to the release. She has coached teams to the NCAA volleyball tournament seven times. The teams won the conference titles in 1997, 2001 and 2006.

Stevens has been named WVIAC Coach of the Year in 1995, 1997, and 2001.

According to the news release, she marked her 500th career win this year.

Stevens replaces Tom Noiza, who served as the athletic director for 13 years and coached baseball at the school for 43 years. He died last October after a short battle with cancer.