Aug. 8, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. - Jeff Salmon, formerly an intern in athletics media relations at Kentucky and Oklahoma, was named an assistant media relations director for the Illinois State athletics department. Salmon is the second full-time staff member to join the Illinois State athletics media relations department in the past two months.
"We're fortunate to have someone as talented as Jeff available at this time," assistant athletic director for media relations Todd Kober said. "He has a great pedigree working with Kenny Mossman at Oklahoma and Scott Stricklin at Kentucky. He is a diligent, tireless worker and will be a great addition to the staff."
The Geneva, Ill. native will serve as the primary contact for the Redbird women's basketball team while assisting with the development effort of the Redbird athletic department.
Salmon, who recently completed a one-year internship at Kentucky, served as the primary media contact for the men's and women's tennis and swimming and diving teams, while also assisting with the public relations efforts for the football program. In addition, Salmon served as the media contact for the NCAA Zone "B" Diving Championships in Lexington, Ky. last March.
Salmon's athletic media relations career began in 2003 while attending graduate school at Oklahoma. He served as a student assistant under former Illinois State assistant athletics director Kenny Mossman. With the Sooners, Salmon served as the primary media contact for the men's golf team in 2004, while also assisting with the softball program in both 2004 and 2005. Salmon graduated with his master's of arts in journalism and mass communication in May, 2005.
During his time in Norman, Salmon also worked numerous events, including the 2004 NCAA Women's Basketball Regional, the 2005 Big 12 Gymnastics Championships and the 2005 first and second rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Oklahoma City.
"I'm really excited to join Illinois State University's athletic department," said Salmon. "I look forward to being able to work with head coach Robin Pingeton, who is building a fine basketball program here in Normal."
Salmon graduated with his bachelor's degree in history from Western Illinois in 2001, and earned his master's degree from Oklahoma in 2005.
Salmon, who replaces Heather Freehill, began his duties on August 7.
