Dec. 3, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Mark Newton, formerly a graduate assistant in the Illinois State Athletics Marketing Office, has been named assistant director of marketing in the athletics department.
Newton was hired as a graduate assistant in the athletics marketing office in May 2007, and served in that capacity until he was named assistant director of marketing in late November. A Manhattan, Kan., native, Newton replaces Kristin Scott, who resigned Nov. 14 to take a position in development in the University of Missouri Athletics Department.
Newton will have direct supervision of the Redbird Athletics Marketing intern staff, and will also assist in the creation and implementation of all department marketing plans. In addition, he will oversee Red Alert, the Illinois State Athletics Department's student support organization, as well as oversee the creation and implementation of the student marketing plan and its emphasis on Red Alert ticket sales. On Redbird Athletics game days, Newton will serve as the marketing office's game event manager, with supervision of the gameday atmosphere for the Illinois State Athletics Marketing Office.
"I'm very excited to have Mark come on board with our office," said Brad Ledford, Illinois State assistant athletics director for marketing and promotions. "He's only been with us a short period of time as a graduate assistant, but he has proven himself as a very capable and outstanding professional with a lot of potential. He also brings great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn."
Newton previously served as an athletics operations intern at Kansas State from August 2006 to May 2007. He graduated summa cum laude from Missouri Western State University in December 2006 with a bachelor's degree in recreation and sport management. Newton is also a graduate of Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kan., where he earned his associate's degree in science.
Newton played two years of baseball at Barton County Community College and two years at Missouri Western.
With his new role, Newton is looking forward to the opportunity to help the Illinois State Athletics Department in an increased capacity.
"This is an exciting endeavor for me," said Newton. "I truly believe that this is one of the most progressive athletics departments at the NCAA Division I level. I'm honored to be a part of this and to be a part of a time when some amazing things are set to occur in this athletics department and at Illinois State in general."
