Mark Shook, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College, has announced he will step down from his post at the end of the academic year. Beginning in May, Shook will serve in the same capacity at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana.
“This is a bittersweet time,” Shook said. “This was not an easy decision, but ultimately the one that was best for me and my family. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a special place, and I am proud of everything we accomplished during my time here. I really enjoy working with my coaches and staff, and our student-athletes, and have put everything I have towards moving us forward. We’ve accomplished so much in just a few years, and it is important to me to do everything I can to leave the department in the best shape possible. Kentucky Wesleyan and Owensboro will always have a special place in my heart, and I look forward to following the continued success of the Panthers.”
With a career that has spanned nearly 25 years in collegiate athletics, Shook has made stops at Purdue University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison prior to Wesleyan. Shook started at Wesleyan as Senior Associate Athletic Director in 2019. In June of 2021, he was named Interim Athletic Director. On January 1, 2022, the interim title was removed and replaced with Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics.
In his first 24 months as Vice President, Panthers Athletics achieved more than two dozen record-breaking accomplishments that cover the span of academic success, athletic success, fundraising, facility enhancements, community service, sponsorships, and life skills programming. Academic records include all-time high GPA performances for KWC’s men’s and women’s teams as well as the overall GPA above the campus population GPA along with conference and national associations individual and team honors.
Community engagement records include eclipsing 4,000 total hours for the past two academic years and winning the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Community Engagement Award in the first two years of the award’s existence. In life skills programming, KWC Athletics ranked No. 1 in the nation in all NCAA divisions in Game Plan e-module learning courses that spanned mental health, Title IX and safety, financial management, NIL education, and much more.
Enhancements under Shook’s direction include a new wrestling training facility; new locker rooms for men’s soccer, women’s soccer, wrestling, and softball; a renovated Jones Gym and Woodward Health & Recreation Center; re-surfaced tennis courts; golf training and team room; renovated weight room; and a new patio and picnic plaza for Panther Field.
During his first four years, the department produced consecutive record “Giving Tuesdays” with increases in overall giving, increases in unique donors, increases in sponsorship revenue, increases in ticketing revenue, and increases in overall attendance.
“During his tenure, Mark pushed the college forward, leading significant advancements in our facilities, fundraising, and academic success outcomes of our student-athletes,” said President of Kentucky Wesleyan College Dr. James Cousins. “We’re grateful for his long hours and tireless efforts to create a positive student experience that has prepared them for success in life.”
A national search for Shook’s replacement will commence in the coming weeks.
