The University of Evansville announced today the appointment of Mark Spencer as the new director of athletics. He will assume his role on September 22.

Spencer previously was senior associate athletic director – finance & business affairs at Oregon State University where his responsibilities included overseeing the department’s budget, coordinating the bid process for NCAA and NIT postseason events and serving as supervisor for several sport and administrative programs.

Spencer brings with him a wealth of experience from athletics departments around the country. Prior to OSU, he was associate director of athletics for internal operations at Saint Louis University where he was also co-tournament director of the 2006 College Cup and served as a liaison to the 2005 NCAA Men’s Final Four as a member of the finance committee. He also served as assistant and associate athletic director for business operations at East Tennessee State University where he was a member of the NCAA re-certification committee for fiscal integrity.

“We’re fortunate to have found Mark from among a strong pool of candidates,” said UE President Tom Kazee. “He impressed everyone with his intelligence, energy, and clear-headed understanding of intercollegiate athletics. I’m confident that he’ll be a smart and dynamic leader for our athletics program.”

Spencer has extensive experience in athletic ticket operations, having developed and implemented the ticketing plan for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball West Regional Championship while serving as director of ticket operations at the University of New Mexico. He served two years as the director of ticket operations for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque Dukes Pacific Coast League minor league baseball team.

Spencer earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Georgia State University in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from St. Bonaventure University in New York in 1993.

“I relish the opportunity to be a part of the Midwest community again, especially in such a vibrant and welcoming city like Evansville,” said Spencer. “I look forward to bringing my experience to the Evansville athletic department staff and student-athletes to help them fulfill the University’s mission of active learning and scholarship.” 

Spencer added that he and his wife Lindsay are looking forward to raising their children in the “open and friendly community” of Evansville.

“We believe that Evansville will be a wonderful place to raise our children, and we are looking forward to continuing the proud Purple Aces tradition.”