JONESBORO, Ark. (1/2/07) ? Arkansas State University's Department of Athletics announced the addition of David Spafford as the school's Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Indian Club Director Tuesday afternoon.

Spafford, who assumes his duties Jan. 8, 2007, comes from Wichita State and replaces Brian Morris who recently left ASU to accept another position.

“We are very excited about moving to Jonesboro and being a part of the university and the community,” said Spafford. “Arkansas State is making positive steps in athletics and I look forward to the opportunity to work with Dean, who I have known for 10 years, and the staff to continue moving forward to the goal of graduating all of our student-athletes and winning championships.”

Spafford brings a wealth of experience in the field of athletic fundraising and development after spending five years at Wichita State where he served as Associate Athletic Director for Development. While there, he coordinated, planned and implemented all fund-raising activities for the school's athletic programs.

He also spearheaded the funding drive for $25 million partly through private contributions for expansion and renovation of WSU's basketball arena as well as soliciting suite holders and club members for the Shockers' baseball stadium. He also oversaw the renovations of WSU's softball stadium. He also was in charge of all annual giving activities, major gifts, fundraising organization regarding season ticket sales.

“David comes to us as a highly qualified and experienced athletic development officer,” said ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee. “His background and knowledge will be a tremendous asset for us as we continue to work in strengthening our Indian Club and donor giving.”

While Spafford was at Wichita State, the school enjoyed athletic growth including two conference championships and NCAA Regional appearances by the baseball team, the women's basketball team had its first-ever 20-win season and participated in the Women's National Invitation Tournament, and multiple conference championships in men's golf, women's, and men's outdoor track and field. Also, the men's basketball team participated in the NIT.

Prior to his stint at Wichita State, Spafford served in a similar position at Kansas State for six years. In addition to his fundraising duties, Spafford was also responsible for the KSU Kansas City Regional Athletic Development Office.

Kansas State also experienced athletic growth during Spafford's tenure at the school including appearances by the KSU football team in the Aloha Bowl, Plymouth Holiday Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Alamo Bowl, and Culligan Holiday Bowl. The KSU men's basketball participated in the NIT and NCAA Tournaments, the women's volleyball team qualified for the NCAA Regionals three times, and women's basketball was in the WNIT.

Spafford also had stops at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as a consultant and sales representative to UMKC's athletic foundation and coached at Belleville (Kan.) Middle School, Manhattan (Kan.) Middle School, and Manhattan (Kan.) High School.

Spafford and wife Bryanna have five children?Camryn Rose (six months), Christopher, Danielle, Patrick and Alex. END

FOR TRANSACTIONS: ARKANSAS STATE? David Spafford named Assistant Athletic Director for Development.