ROCHESTER, Mich. - Maria Rivera has joined Oakland University Athletics as the Assistant AD for Communications, announced Senior Assistant AD for Public Relations Scott MacDonald on Wednesday. Rivera spent the past four years in the athletic communications department at Central Michigan.

"We welcome Maria to the Oakland family," said MacDonald. "Maria understands the importance of being cutting edge when it comes to athletic communications and brings a wealth of experience in graphics and social media planning. She will help us continue to be innovative in the creation of Infographics, provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes, and maintain a welcoming environment for all media."

During her time at CMU, Rivera served as the primary contact for women's basketball, volleyball, softball, cross country, and track and field. She built content and social media campaigns for all social platforms and designed graphics used for social media and CMUchippewas.com. She managed the athletic website and focused on improving game day experience by engaging fans through social media outlets.

"I'm very excited and grateful for this opportunity," said Rivera. "I look forward to being part of a culture that continues to be innovative and push the envelope when it comes to athletic communications."

Rivera earned a master's degree in sports administration from Central Michigan in 2014 along with a bachelor's degree in 2011 for integrative public relations, with a minor in sport studies.

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