LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper announced today the hiring of Patrick Sojka, senior associate athletics director for development and premium sales.

Sojka comes to Las Vegas from Ohio State University where he was the director of athletics development for the past four years. Prior to that, he worked at the University of Arizona and the University of Iowa in their respective development offices.

"We are very pleased to welcome Patrick to UNLV," Harper said. "His experience in fundraising at multiple Big Ten schools as well as the Pac-12 will be valuable as we continue to build our Rebel Athletic Fund team and move the athletics department forward."

Throughout his career, Sojka has secured over $17 million in major gifts in support of numerous philanthropic campaigns, while serving university foundations and athletics departments in the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences. He possesses experience across major and annual giving roles, premium seating sales and as chief marketer for both athletics development teams and premier sports programs.

"Patrick brings a wealth of experience to us as a fundraiser and administrator and we look forward to working collaboratively as we continue to enhance the Rebel Athletic Fund and our premium sales," said Mike Ketcham, UNLV Deputy Athletics Director, External. "We are excited to have him as part of the Rebel family."

As director of athletics development at Ohio State from 2018-22, Sojka was responsible for soliciting six and seven-figure major gifts and led development efforts in the southwest region of the country. From 2017-18, he served as associate director of athletics development at Arizona. From 2015-17, he was assistant director of athletics development at Iowa, before being promoted to associate director. He also spent three years (2012-15) as assistant director of athletics communications for the Hawkeyes.

"My wife Allie and I are thrilled and honored to join the UNLV family and Las Vegas community," said Sojka. "I am grateful to Erick Harper and Mike Ketcham for the tremendous opportunity to join this team and positively impact the lives of UNLV student-athletes, coaches and supporters."

Sojka earned his bachelor's degree in marketing in 2010 and his master's in recreational sport management in 2012, both from the University of Iowa.