On Monday (Oct. 8), Ashland University Director of Athletics Al King announced the addition of Zachary Hurst as the athletic department's Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Marketing and Promotions/Game Day Operations.
"We had several outstanding candidates interview for this job," King said. "Zack's background in game operations and fundraising is strong, and that certainly impressed the search committee. What set him apart was his creativity and ability to see a broad picture. I believe he will bring a lot of new perspectives to our department.
"Zack is engaging and energetic, and I think that's the stamp he will put on our sports marketing department."
"I would like to thank Al King and the search committee for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with the entire AU Athletics staff," Hurst said. "With over 600 student-athletes and 23 sports, AU Athletics is a program that continues to thrive and have consistent success. I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of this program, while being committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience.
"I look forward to being a part of the Ashland community, and working with an administration that is supportive of intercollegiate athletics."
Hurst comes to Ashland from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he most recently served as Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, but spent most of his tenure as Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Promotion.
In almost 3½ years at Fairbanks, Hurst's main responsibilities were to implement marketing and fundraising strategies to enhance brand image and generate revenue, manage external business opportunities including all corporate sponsorships and fulfillment, and collaborate with department staff and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in planning for special events, tournaments, community engagement activities and promotional items.
Among Hurst's prior work before joining Fairbanks was a communications internship with the Indiana High School Athletic Association in 2014, a marketing/events internship with the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts in 2013, and a position as athletic development assistant with the Indiana State University Foundation from 2011-13.
Hurst graduated Summa Cum Laude (Honors) from Indiana State University with a degree in Recreation/Sport Management in 2013, and also earned a Masters in Athletic Administration from Indiana University in 2014, and a Master of Business Administration from Fairbanks in 2016.
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