Owensboro, Ky. – Jason Vittone has been named the next Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College, as announced by President Dr. James Cousins on Friday.
Vittone is set to succeed Mark Shook, whose departure to Hanover College was announced in January after six years at Kentucky Wesleyan, including four at the helm of the department.
Vittone, the current Director of Athletics at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Va., brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education and collegiate athletics and will begin his new role on June 15.
"Jason's fundraising expertise, broad and wide-ranging institutional experience, and his familiarity with Owensboro give him the unique ability to lead Kentucky Wesleyan athletics into its next chapter," said President Cousins. "Jason's collegial and collaborative leadership style will be well received by everyone within our extended campus community."
Vittone's familiarity with Owensboro began when he became the first baseball coach in Brescia College history, holding that position for nine seasons and leading the Bearcats to five NAIA Regional appearances. Vittone also served as the Sports Information Director over that period.
After his Brescia tenure, Vitonne spent a short period at Central Methodist University as an Admissions Counselor.
Following his time at Central Methodist, Vittone served first as the Sports Information Director then as the Director of Athletics at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., where he oversaw 21 varsity sports. In addition to his athletic administrative duties, he worked as an Advancement Officer, helping secure vital support for athletics programs. Under his leadership, the Owls won five consecutive American Midwest Conference (AMC) Presidents' Cups. He also launched the school's first corporate sponsorship program, bringing more than 20 partners on board, signed the NAIA's first-ever apparel and team sponsorship deal, and helped host the 2014 and 2015 NAIA Women's Division I Basketball National Championships. Vittone was twice named AMC Athletic Director of the Year (2013–14 and 2015–16) and served as Chair of the conference.
"I would like to thank President Cousins, members of the search committee, and the athletics staff for entrusting me with this position," said Vittone. "I am honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong and historic foundation of this athletics department and college. I'm thrilled to join a community that values both athletic and academic success and am eager to get started."
Vittone earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University and his Master of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Emporia State University, where he also served as assistant baseball coach. He was inducted into the Emporia State Health, Physical Education and Recreation Hall of Honor in 2017.
He and his wife, Kirstie, have two sons, A.J. and Dominick, and look forward to returning to the Owensboro community.
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