Boatright named senior associate A.D. for external operations

{WICHITA, Kan.) — Darron Boatright has been selected as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, Wichita State University Director of Athletics Dr. Eric Sexton announced today.

Boatright, 35, comes to Wichita State from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) where he was the Associate Athletic Director for Development.

“With his Division I experience, Darron is uniquely qualified for this position, “ Sexton said.  “His talent at connecting with people makes him a genuinely good fit for our donors, sponsors, business partners, and staff.  He has my full confidence.”

Wichita State’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations is responsible for supervision and leadership of the marketing; development and fund raising; corporate sponsorships; radio/TV broadcasting; media relations; and ticket operations. 

“The opportunity to serve Wichita State University in this capacity is humbling to me and my family,” Boatright said. “We can’t wait to transition to Wichita. The commitment to excellence from a community, corporate and university perspective made this position so very attractive to us. Many thanks to Dr. Eric Sexton, and those who assisted him in this process, for inviting us to join the Wichita State family.

“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Sexton, the staff and coaches who have made Shocker athletics the premier program in the Missouri Valley Conference. Being in a position to represent a university that is committed to winning championships in multiple programs is unique and that commitment is evident at WSU.

“I want to thank those individuals at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for allowing me the opportunity to work alongside them and I wish the ‘Blazers well in all of their pursuits.”

As Associate Athletic Director for Development at UAB, Boatright managed day-to-day operations of the “Blazer Club” program, which is the annual giving and priority seating mechanism that generates funding for student-athlete scholarships, capital projects, facility improvements, enhancement of sport programs and general operating budget.  His experience at UAB focused on development and donor relations.??? ???Boatright also gained extensive administrative experience at Murray State University as Associate AD for External Affairs from 2005 to 2008.  Boatright had administrative oversight of baseball, men’s and women’s golf, and all spirit groups.  In addition, he oversaw marketing and promotions, athletic development, the “Racer Club” (priority seating program), as well as ticket operations.  He developed and sold radio and television advertising packages to local, regional and national clients.  As part of Murray State’s “Hold Thy Banner High” capital campaign ($60 million), Boatright cultivated and solicited Major Gift prospects with the Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement and the Director of Athletics.??? ???Prior to joining Murray State, Boatright was on the basketball coaching staff at the University of Alabama from 1999 to 2005.  He served as Director of Basketball Operations with the Crimson Tide and was a part of four NCAA Tournament teams and two NIT teams, including an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2004 and an NIT championship game appearance in 2001. 

Boatright also served as Special Campaigns Director in the Office of Athletic Development for the University of Alabama. He initiated fundraising campaigns and took part in major gift solicitations as part of the $100 million “Crimson Tradition” campaign for athletic facility enhancements. 

“Darron brings a breadth of experiences and a coaching perspective to our external operation which will serve us well as we work to continue to meet or exceed the expectations of our donors and sponsors,” Sexton said.??? ???A native of Benton, Kentucky, Boatright is a 1998 graduate of Murray State as he earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in political science and history.  He earned a Master of Higher Education Administration at Alabama in 2004. 

Boatright and his wife, the former Chaney Sutherland, have two children: son Fletcher, 6; and daughter, Sarah Frances, 2.

Boatright will begin his new position on August 25.