DES MOINES, Iowa - The Drake University Athletic Department announces the addition of Stephanie Viola as the director of student-athlete academic services. Viola began her duties at Drake this month.

"We are thrilled to have Stephanie join the Bulldog Athletics family," said Drake associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator Megan Franklin. "Her expertise in student-athlete development and knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations will assure that Drake student-athletes have the tools in place for a successful collegiate experience."

In her position, Viola oversees the academic progress of all Bulldog athletic teams and works to ensure student-athletes balance the academic and athletic demands they face. She will also focus on student-athlete's transitioning into and out of the collegiate experience so they may successfully attain the goals they envision.

"I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to be a member of the Bulldog family," Viola said. "Drake truly has a family feel and is committed on every level to the success of students. I am excited to begin working with the student-athletes, staff and coaches as we push to continuously be at the top of the conference in all academic measures. I have been fortunate to be mentored by special people at both Arizona State and Penn State and look forward to learning from the leadership within Drake athletics."

Viola comes to Drake from Arizona State University, where she spent five years in the Office of Student-Athlete Development within Sun Devil Athletics. She was responsible for academic oversight of several teams, served on the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and coordinated student-athlete recognition inclusive of postgraduate scholarships.

Prior to Arizona State, Viola was a student-athlete at Penn State University, where she played softball. Upon the completion of her eligibility she served as an intern in the Morgan Academic Support Center for Student-Athletes at Penn State.

Viola earned a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services from Penn State in 2005 and a master's degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Arizona State in 2008.