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Nicholas Schroeder enters his 13th year at Catawba Valley Community College in the 2025–26 academic year, where he serves as the Executive Director of Student Life and Athletic Director.

Under Schroeder’s leadership, CVCC Athletics has experienced remarkable growth and success. The Red Hawk programs have collectively earned 15 conference championships, 12 region titles, 8 district championships, and 8 national tournament appearances, while producing 19 All-Americans. In 2019, he expanded the department by adding softball, esports, and bass fishing, further diversifying opportunities for student-athletes.

A passionate advocate for student-athlete development, Schroeder has overseen consistent improvements in GPA, retention, and graduation rates. In 2024-25 season, the Red Hawk program saw all four NJCAA programs named All-Academic teams, named for programs that carry an overall GPA above 3.0. Over the past ten years, more than 300 student-athletes have signed to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

In recognition of his impact, Schroeder was named Two-Year Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) in 2021. That same year, he received the prestigious George E. Killian Award of Excellence from the NJCAA, honoring his leadership and service—particularly his role in relocating and hosting the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship at CVCC on short notice due to COVID-19 disruptions.

In 2014, Schroeder led a transformative rebranding initiative, changing the college’s mascot from the Buccaneers to the Red Hawks—strengthening the identity of CVCC Athletics and its connection to the local community.

Before becoming Athletic Director, Schroeder served as Assistant Athletic Director under longtime AD, and Red Hawk Hall of Famer, Jeff Moore. Beyond CVCC, he contributes to the NJCAA as Sports Information Director and Region 10 DII Men’s Basketball Chair, and has held roles including Women’s Director, Assistant Men’s Director, and chair positions for Division II Volleyball and Softball. He has also served on the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.

Prior to joining CVCC, Schroeder worked in NCAA Division I compliance at Longwood University, overseeing athletic eligibility and serving as advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He also held compliance roles at UNC Charlotte and the University of Louisville.

Schroeder earned his B.S. in Exercise Sports Science with a concentration in Athletic Training from Elon University in 2004, and his M.S. in Sport Administration from University of Louisville in 2008.

He resides in Hickory, N.C. with his wife, Emily Forbes Schroeder, and their three children—Finnley, Lennon, and Brenner. Emily, a former softball student-athlete at UNC Charlotte, Saint Stephens High School alumna and a 2012 graduate of CVCC’s Nursing Program.