Athletics
this time, they were pushed outside their normal duties to help us be successful. I am so grateful for our coaches and staff and colleagues for working as a team to support overall student success."
Why did you decide you wanted the full-time position? The director of athletics position has been a goal of mine for almost 10 years. Many colleagues and mentors motivated me toward this role, and they have offered me opportunities and guidance on the journey. I have also had a wealth of leadership development opportunities within college athletics that helped me grow and learn and prepare for this important leadership role. I will enter my 20th year in college athletics leadership roles in the next academic year.
A Conversation with Mark Shook
What are some accomplishments of which you are proud since you arrived at KWC? ● ●
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Vice president of intercollegiate athletics, named January 4
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Interim athletics director, June-December 2021
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Senior associate athletic director for internal operations, September 2019-May 2021
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Introduced and led "One Team Wesleyan" programming and events introduction Led Pillar II Athletic Facilities Working Group in development of concepts for athletic training facility and toward athletic facilities master plan Led the Athletic Department to its highest Giving Tuesday results since the College began the annual event Led and conducted five successful staff and coach searches from last summer and fall Initiated and renewed five major Athletic Department contracts with increased revenues and benefits. Built upon partnerships with institutional technology, dining services, facilities, and residential services on campus to further enhance the student-athlete experience
By M. Blake Harrison
What goals do you have as vice president and athletic director?
Mark Shook arrived at KWC in September 2019 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was the assistant athletic director for academic services. He has a deep background in college athletics with experience at a variety of higher education institutions, and he wanted to serve at a smaller institution where he could make a real impact and difference and get to know the students on a personal level.
Those who have heard me speak know how important a "One Team" mentality is to our culture and success. My goals for our department center around the core areas of our commitment to scholarship, sport, service and life. I want to help improve and maximize the student-athlete experience while producing graduates who are well prepared and ready to enter the world because they were students and athletes at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
What were your observations of the Athletic Department and the College during your tenure as senior associate athletic director? "I really liked the small college feel. I connected quickly with former athletic director Rob Mallory because we had similar philosophies. The small campus made getting to know people from nearly every campus office that much easier. I also appreciated the faith-based mission of our campus. It was exactly what I had hoped for when I decided to come to Kentucky Wesleyan."
Did those observations change during your tenure as interim athletic director? "They have not changed but solidified. Each member of my team is valuable to our department's overall success. During
20
Pillars
How can we help? Our alumni and supporters can help us maximize the studentathlete experience in several ways. My plan is to develop opportunities for those who love the Panthers to help us by giving their time, talents and treasure. Making it a priority to attend and support our teams, at least once, when they are in competition is a simple starting point. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff work tirelessly year round to help maximize this experience. Volunteer and financial support will be critical toward helping us achieve our goals in the classroom and in competition. We are working on a renewed effort to build the Panther Athletic Fund as a "team behind the teams" in annual giving, volunteering and reconnecting with our alumni. Stay tuned. God bless and go Panthers!
