After a couple of weeks, new assistant athletic director Amy Buxbaum is settling into her role at Pitt-Johnstown.

After graduating from Ferndale Area High School, Buxbaum played basketball for four years at Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned a degree in policy and management in 1992. She went on to earn a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

Athletic Director Pat Pecora said Buxbaum’s experience and law degree help with her responsibility of interpreting the NCAA rules.

“She fits in perfectly,” Pecora said. “She’s a very important member of our staff.”

Buxbaum was an assistant athletic director at both Emmanuel and Juniata colleges, and also was athletic director at Chatham University for seven years.

On top of her NCAA rule interpretations, Buxbaum is also to serve as the university’s NCAA senior female administrator, compliance and academic Coordinator and Student Athlete Advisory Committee coordinator.

She is also a Challenge Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success/life skills coordinator.

Buxbaum said being part of a Division II program presents a new challenge due to differences in rules.

As an academic coordinator, Buxbaum works with the Campus NCAA Representative Raymond Wrabley by helping athletes with their academics as well as their relationships with the community.

Wrabley said that he has two expectations of Buxbaum: that she makes sure the university is in compliance with NCAA regulations, and, that she supports the athletes academically and personally.

“She’s done an excellent job. She’s very experienced, knowledgeable and organized,” Wrabley said.

Buxbaum said that her goal for helping the athletes is to give them a chance to be leaders, and help them achieve good reputations for themselves, their team, and their community.

“I’m excited for all of it. The university has a great reputation and relationship with the city.”