JONESBORO, Ark.  (8/18/22) – Arkansas State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton announced Thursday that Brad Bobo has been named Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement.
 
An Arkansas State University alumnus and previous member of its Athletics Department staff from 2004-13, Bobo returns to the Red Wolves as a senior-level administrator after his initial stint at A-State saw him operate in multiple roles that included Assistant Director of Marketing, Director of Corporate Sales and Director of Broadcast, Licensing and New Media.
 
Bobo most recently spent the last nine years with East Arkansas Broadcasters (EAB), hosting a highly-rated afternoon sports-talk show (The Drive) while remaining a part of the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network as a sideline reporter for football games – a role he began in 2003.
 
"We're excited about the addition of Brad to our staff as Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Fan Engagement," said Purinton.  "Whether it was during his previous time with our marketing department, at EAB or working our radio and ESPN+ broadcasts, Brad has almost 20 years of professional experience with our programs, games, venues, fan base and much more.
 
"When you combine his passion for Arkansas State University with his diverse experience, strong communication skills, marketing background and great familiarity with Northeast Arkansas, our events and the Sun Belt Conference, we're confident he will be a great asset for our Athletics Department."
 
During his time planning, organizing and executing his daily three-hour radio program, Bobo covered A-State Athletics extensively through his reporting efforts and weekly interviews with the Red Wolves' administration, coaches and student-athletes.
 
A familiar face and voice to A-State fans, Bobo was also the radio play-by-play broadcaster for A-State's women's basketball games from 2003-15 before taking on the same responsibility for Red Wolves' football, baseball, volleyball and basketball broadcasts on ESPN+.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to serve my alma mater in this capacity," said Bobo.  "Obviously, I've had a close vantage point to see the excitement Jeff Purinton has brought to A-State Athletics, and I'm honored by the opportunity to be a part of the team he has put together.  This will be my 20th season to be involved with Arkansas State football in some capacity, and I can't wait to get started."

"East Arkansas Broadcasters has been and continues to be so important to both Arkansas State Athletics and my family," continued Bobo.  "I'm thrilled that this new position is going to give me the opportunity to still work with and be around the EAB crew, which provides the Red Wolves with media coverage that's truly the envy of the rest of the Sun Belt Conference."

While Bobo spent the last nine years working as an on-air personality and play-by-play broadcaster, he carried many of the same marketing initiatives he oversaw at A-State into his position at EAB by fulfilling promotions, advertising and sales responsibilities.

During Bobo's previous time at A-State, he not only assisted in efforts to increase visibility and attendance, but also help usher the Athletics Department and University through its rebranding from Indians to Red Wolves.

Bobo was responsible for creating the school's Crafters' Licensing program, which was one of the first of its kind, as well as implementing the Red Wolves' social media presence on both Facebook and Twitter.

The Paragould, Ark., native originally came to A-State after serving as the sports editor for the Paragould Tribune newspaper, winning more than 40 Arkansas Press Association awards in numerous categories, including writing, photography and page design.

Bobo earned his bachelor's degree in Radio/TV from Arkansas State University in 1999.  Brad and his wife, Paige, have four children – sons Chandler, Brody and Stewart and daughter Kendall.