Mark Shook has been named Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College, as announced by Wesleyan President Dr. Tom Mitzel on Tuesday. Shook has been serving as Interim Director of Athletics since June. All the while Shook has maintained his responsibilities as Senior Associate Director of Internal Operations and Compliance.
“I am honored to be named permanent Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics of Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics,” said Mark Shook. “This is a leadership role I have been working towards for several years and have lots of mentors and colleagues to thank for their part in my development and success. I’ve experienced nearly everything involved with leading an intercollegiate athletics program in my twenty years and have also had excellent NCAA professional development experiences that have been geared towards this important leadership role on a campus.”
Mark Shook joined the Kentucky Wesleyan College Department of Athletics in September 2019 as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations. He assisted in the daily management, supervision, and leadership of the department as well as on departmental policies/procedures development, operational and business functions, allocation of resources, fundraising/donor initiatives and on long range/strategic planning initiatives.
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the placement of Mr. Mark Shook as the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College,” said Dr. Mitzel. “Mark has over 20 years’ experience in education and athletics and joined the KWC Athletic Department in the fall of 2019 as Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations. In discussion with the members of the Department of Athletics, it is clear that Mark has overwhelming support, and the correct vision, to lead KWC into an exciting future of strengthening and growth.”
Shook was responsible for the overall development and implementation of internal operations that includes NCAA Compliance, G-MAC Conference regulations and risk management procedures and protocols to minimize the risk of liability. He is also responsible for all programming that supports the total student-athlete experience that includes mental health support, personal and professional development, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion.
In the spring of 2020, Shook helped launch the ONE TEAM Wesleyan Athletics initiative programming model to honor the collective, daily efforts towards achieving the goals of each team and department as ONE TEAM in supporting success in life, scholarship, sport and service.
“Since I arrived in late 2019, I’ve been impressed with our coaches and administrative staff, and especially our student-athletes,” Shook continued. “The commitment from our entire campus towards developing young men and women in the classroom and in competition aligns with my own philosophy since I began my professional career as an educator, coach and college athletics administrator. I look forward to growing my ‘One Team Wesleyan’ vision in supporting our student-athletes and coaches across the spectrum in Scholarship, Sport, Service and Life. In addition, I look forward to ways we can broaden the One Team Wesleyan concept in various forms to the entire campus over the next few semesters.”
Shook was selected as one of 20 senior-level administrators across the DI, DII and DIII NCAA membership to the 2020-21 cohort of the NCAA Pathway Program — one of NCAA Leadership Development’s marquee programs. In 2012, he was selected to attend the prestigious Sports Management Institute Executive Program.
“I’ve had many opportunities in my former and interim roles to work with nearly everyone on our campus as well as Board of Trustees members, alumni and fans and I believe this is a special place,” said Shook. “My family and I are committed to making Kentucky Wesleyan College the best experience possible for our students. I’m excited for our future here under Dr. Mitzel’s leadership and will work tirelessly to ensure our student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans remain proud of KWC Athletics.”
Shook spent five years as the University of Wisconsin’s Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services. Prior to working at Wisconsin, Shook also spent eight years at Bowling Green State University. Before his time at Bowling Green, he was the Associate Director of Academic Support Services at Purdue from 2002-06 working as academic advisor with football, men’s basketball, and a number of Olympic sports.
After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Bowling Green State University, Shook spent a decade as a high school teacher and coach in the North Central Local, Orrville City, and Lexington Local schools in Ohio. During that time, he also earned a Master of Education degree in Sport Management/Education from Ashland University.
Mark and his wife, Emily, have three daughters; Madeline, Marissa and Morgan and reside in Owensboro.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MARK SHOOK
Greg Christopher, Vice President for Administration, Director of Athletics, Xavier University
Congratulations to both Mark and Kentucky Wesleyan. For student-athletes, he is passionate about ensuring their success and positive experiences. For the coaches, faculty and staff at Kentucky Wesleyan, Mark is a strong leader who is focused on the college’s future. I know he will do great things moving the department forward.
Janna Blais, Deputy Director of Athletics (Administration and Policy)/SWA, Northwestern University
Mark is a true athletics administrator! He got into this business for all the right reasons. He believes deeply that you can change lives through the power of sports, and this is what he sets out to do each and every day. The Kentucky Wesleyan athletics department will thrive under his caring leadership.
Mary Ellen Gillespie, Deputy Director, Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)
I am so excited to watch Mark lead the Panthers. He is one of the most genuine people and leaders with whom I have worked. He is committed to developing young people and empowering staff and he believes athletics is a true partner on campus. Mark Shook makes college athletics better. Great hire!
Mario Morris, Executive Deputy Athletic Director, University of Notre Dame
Mark Shook is an incredible leader. Kentucky Wesleyan got a good one! He cares about student-athletes and is a proven leader who genuinely cares about others. He is the right person to lead Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics and is a proven leader in higher education and intercollegiate athletics. Kentucky Wesleyan will benefit greatly from his experience and leadership!
Jermaine Truax, Director of Athletics & Recreation, Bucknell University
Congratulations to Kentucky Wesleyan College for naming Mark as permanent athletics director. He is a compassionate leader with strong athletic administrative skills that will elevate Kentucky Wesleyan athletics. The future is bright under Mark’s leadership!
