CWU Names New Director Of Athletic Development

May 23, 2005

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University President Jerilyn S. McIntyre has announced the appointment of Mark Anderson, currently CWU director of public relations and marketing, to the newly created position of athletic development director beginning July 1.

"This decision is based on a preliminary recommendation from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Athletics," she says. "The committee has made it clear that, for CWU to offer a competitive NCAA Division 2 athletic program, this position is vital. Along with his other responsibilities, Mark has already been doing some athletic development work during the past year, so he's well prepared for this new assignment."

The Blue Ribbon Commission was formed in July 2004 and charged by the president with developing a comprehensive plan for the future of intercollegiate competition, intramural activities, and club sports at Central. It is expected to present its final report next month.

Anderson's new responsibilities will include identification and cultivation of major gifts, annual giving, and corporate and business sponsorships for CWU athletics.

A self-avowed "sports enthusiast," Anderson was the pre-game reporter for University of Utah football games on KALL radio in Salt Lake City. He has also served as color commentator for Ellensburg High School football and basketball broadcasts on KXLE radio. In addition, he's been active as a volunteer youth sports coach in the Ellensburg community.

"I've always had a passion for sports," he acknowledges. "Central has a long and proud history of athletic success and achievement. I'm thrilled to have the chance to be an integral part of our program and to now do full time what I can to help us make a positive impact in (NCAA) Division 2 sports."

CWU Athletic Director Jack Bishop adds, "Mark has done a great job of getting to know many of people who are committed to the continued success of CWU athletics. With his knowledge and background, he's a great addition to our athletic department leadership team."

Anderson has served in his present CWU capacity since October of 2000.

Prior to coming to CWU, he was an assistant director of university relations and electronic media specialist at Idaho State University (ISU); community affairs director for KBCK-FM and KBBX-AM in Bountiful, Utah; promotional marketing director for Salt Lake Community College; and television news reporter for KIFI-TV in Idaho Falls/Pocatello, Idaho.

Anderson received his bachelor's degree in mass communication at the University of Utah in 1991 and a master's degree in communication at ISU in 2000.

A national search for Anderson's replacement as the CWU director of marketing and public relations will begin immediately, according to Dr. Paul Baker, vice president for university relations.