Casey Cegles Named Deputy Athletic Director at Kent State
7/8/2015 2:58:00 PM | General
KENT, Ohio- Kent State University Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen announced today that Casey Cegles, director of major gifts for the Old Dominion Athletic Fund, has been hired as Deputy Athletic Director.
Cegles replaces former Deputy Athletic Director Devin Crosby, who became the director of athletics at Lynn University. Cegles will begin his new role at Kent State on July 20.
"Casey has a family lineage in collegiate athletics and brings great understanding of the student-athlete experience to the position" said Nielsen. "He's a highly motivated young man with diverse experience in the external components of a department and has a strong fundraising background. He'll also bring the experience of being a former student-athlete to the role. Working alongside Janet Kittell, our coaches will have two dedicated administrators to support their continued success. We're excited to welcome Casey to Kent State."
Cegles' role at Kent State will focus on assisting the Director of Athletics with the day-to-day operations of the athletic department and helping lead the administrative team. He will also provide oversight of external relations units, and assist with the oversight of the football and men's and women's basketball programs.
"I first want to thank President Broderick and Athletic Director Dr. Wood Selig for all the terrific experiences I had while at ODU," said Cegles. "Without them and everyone in the athletic department, I would not have this opportunity. I would also like to thank the ODU donors, fans, and family for their unbelievable support of the Monarchs and its student-athletes. I am beyond excited to be a Golden Flash and am looking forward to getting to work immediately. With the leadership and vision of Dr. Warren and Joel Nielsen I know there are a lot of great things to come here at Kent State. I can't wait to be a part of the future of KSU athletics and help the Flashes excel both on and of the playing field."
Cegles arrives at Kent State from Old Dominion University, where he spent the last three years fundraising for the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Cegles began as the assistant director of the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation in 2012 and was quickly promoted to director of the athletic foundation in 2013. After assisting the foundation in setting all-time highs in dollars raised and total memberships, he was promoted again to the director of major gifts.
Prior to his time at Old Dominion, Cegles spent three years at Virginia Commonwealth University working in corporate sales and ticket operations.
Born and raised in Phoenix, Ariz., Cegles grew up around college athletics as his father, Vic Cegles, has been an athletic administrator for nearly 30 years. Currently, his father is the athletic director at Long Beach State University, while his brother Victor is an assistant athletic director at University of Minnesota.
Casey earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Towson University where he was a four-year member of the football team. He went on to earn a Master of Education from the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.
What others are Saying about Kent State's Deputy Director of Athletics Casey Cegles …
"Casey Cegles is a great hire by Kent State University. As a former student-athlete and seasoned administrator, he will work well with coaches, donors, sponsors and fellow administrators to continue to propel Kent State athletics in the positive direction they have been heading under the dynamic leadership of Joel Nielsen. Together Casey and Joel will make a tremendous team that should benefit all Kent State student-athletes, coaches, alumni, donors and fans."
- Dr. Wood Selig, Director of Athletics, Old Dominion University
"Casey has played an instrumental part of our success during his tenure with the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. He was a key player in our growth in membership and donations and was well liked and respected by our donors and fans."
- Jena Virga, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Athletic Development, Old Dominion University
