Biography
By JIM HAGUE
After living her entire life in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” namely Minnesota, Jana Hogenson wanted a little change in her life.
So Hogenson decided to move to Newark.
It’s just a little bit of a culture change for someone who grew up in a town called Grand Marias, Minnesota, with a population of just over 1,000.
“My grade school graduation class was 45,” Hogenson said. “So it is a little different.”
Hogenson, a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, has joined the athletic department at Rutgers-Newark as the new Assistant to the Director in charge of Marketing and Development.
Hogenson will report directly to R-N athletic director Mark Griffin. Her duties will include generating interest and participation in the R-N athletic department through social media, promotions, marketing and alumni support.
Hogenson has a background in collegiate athletics, having worked at the University of Minnesota in ticket sales and operations.
“But that’s not really what I wanted to do,” Hogenson said. “I wanted to get into development.”
She read about the R-N position through the NCAA News and thought it would represent a good challenge.
“I wasn’t leery about it, but I was looking for a change,” Hogenson said. “I like different things. I was ready to get out of Minnesota. It’s change in a good way. I didn’t have any worries or concerns. I was really excited about it. I was eager to come here and get started.”
Hogenson has only been on the R-N campus for a short period.
“But everyone here has been so welcoming and warm,” Hogenson said. “They’ve been extremely friendly, helping me out with everything. I can’t begin to say how super nice they’ve been.”
Hogenson likes the challenge that the opportunity with the Scarlet Raiders’ 16-team program offers.
“There are a lot of things I can do from a marketing standpoint,” Hogenson said. “I would like to expand and grow the web presence, so we can teach people what Rutgers-Newark is all about and make it well known. I also want the athletic department to be well known. We have a lot of great teams here at Rutgers-Newark and they should be recognized.”
Hogenson also wants to help the Scarlet Raider teams have more of a presence around Newark and the community.
“I want to see us have a larger presence both on and off the campus,” Hogenson said. “I want to explore sponsorships. I want to find businesses and people who will help us do what we want to do in the future and help us in the long run to do more things.”
Hogenson also believes that the program could do more fund raising.
“Right now, we don’t have much, other than the golf outing,” Hogenson said. “I don’t think there’s ever been anyone to come in and dedicate their time in fundraising. It could make life easier for everyone on the staff.”
Hogenson believes that she’s a very upbeat person, especially when it comes to her love for sports.
“I’m very passionate when it comes to athletics and my school,” Hogenson said. “I love sports, even though I’m not athletically gifted. I’m an all around Minnesota sports fan, but when it comes to basketball, I love the Celtics. Once Kevin Garnett left the Timberwolves, I decided to leave with him.”
Hogenson said that she’s also very passionate about the University of Minnesota’s men’s hockey team. The Golden Gophers are traditionally one of the best programs in collegiate hockey.
“My office at the University of Minnesota was in the hockey arena, so I had no choice but to follow them,” Hogenson said. “Plus, Minnesota is a hockey state. We’re born to love hockey. College hockey has more of an adverse following, so that’s where my heart lies.”
Unfortunately, Rutgers-Newark does not field an ice hockey team, but the home of the New Jersey Devils, namely the Prudential Center, is just a stone’s throw away.
“I hope to get to follow my teams while I’m in New Jersey,” Hogenson said. “It might become quite difficult.”
But it might be easier, now that the Big Ten Network has become a staple in most New Jersey cable companies.
Hogenson, who earned a Bachelor’s of science in sports management at Minnesota, would eventually like to pursue a graduate degree as well.
“That’s down the road a little,” Hogenson said. “Right now, I’m happy to be here. I like the fact that the staff here has a family atmosphere. That’s really been great. Everyone helps each other out.”
In her short time in Newark, there has been only one obstacle.
“I’m having a tough time finding my way around,” Hogenson said. “There are no subways in Minnesota, so I’m learning that. I’m learning where to go and where not to go. I’ve been to New York already and I love it. I’ve been to Harrison and Hoboken. It’s pretty diverse around here and I like it.”
Hogenson should then fit at home being at one of the most racially and ethnically diverse colleges in the United States.
“There’s a lot to do,” Hogenson said. “So far, there aren’t enough hours in the day. But I’m learning to do it, helping this department grow and flourish. It is doable. It’s just going to take some time.”
