Rogers State University Athletics Director Wren Baker announced the promotion of Eddie Jackson and Ryan Bradley earlier this week, while also adding two staff members to the RSU athletic department.
“I am ecstatic with the staff changes we are making in our department,” Bakers said. “The quality of these individuals is second to none. Ryan and Eddie have already proven themselves invaluable as we’ve established Hillcat athletics. Brian and Sara are widely respected in their fields and will make our athletic department even better.”
Jackson, previously assistant athletics director, has been promoted to associate athletics director for compliance. Jackson joined the RSU staff in September of 2006 and has more than 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics, administration and officiating. He will be responsible for implementing a full scale compliance department.
Ryan Bradley, former assistant athletic director for Media Relations, will be transitioning into the role of associate athletic director for external relations. He joined the Hillcat athletics department in October 2006 as the school's first sports information director. He was promoted to assistant athletic director for media relations and communications in March 2009. Bradley will head up the marketing, promotions, fundraising and community relations efforts. He will also oversee the media relations department.
Sara Williams will assume Bradley’s role as assistant athletics director for media relations. She comes to RSU after spending two years as sports information director at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Midwest City, Okla., native is a 2007 graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Williams will also serve as RSU’s senior women’s administrator.
Dr. Brian Andrews was named assistant athletic director for student development. Andrews has served as an adjunct professor at RSU for the past three years, teaching Human Geography. Andrews replaces former Student Development director, Jared Hood. He earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from Southern Methodist in 2010. Andrews also holds two masters degrees in anthropology the first from the University of Wyoming in 2000 and the second from Southern Methodist in 2005. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1998
“These changes will make us much more efficient in the service we provide our student-athletes, fans, and community,” Baker said. “They will also bring us closer to the NCAA model institution if the University decides to apply in June.”
A committee made up of 21 members from the faculty, staff, students and community members unanimously recommended that RSU consider application to the NCAA.