Dr. Dean Lee of Stillwater, Okla., today was introduced as the next director of intercollegiate athletics at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

Lee will be moving to ASU from Oklahoma State University, where he was promoted last year to executive director of the OSU Athletic Associates and assistant vice president of the OSU Foundation. He joined the OSU staff as associate director of athletics for the Big 12 Conference school in 1997.

ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt made the announcement to an afternoon gathering of Indian athletics enthusiasts and news media representatives in the rotunda of Fowler Center.

"We are delighted that Dean Lee has decided to join us and to keep up the momentum we have experienced in recent months," Dr. Wyatt said. "He brings excellent credentials and outstanding personal skills to lead ASU's athletic programs. He is held in high regard among his former colleagues for his organizational skills, strategic planning, and tireless work ethic."

Lee's administrative experience at two NCAA Division I-A universities, OSU and the University of Arkansas, and his achievements in mobilizing financial support moved him quickly to the front of candidates to succeed Paul Griffin. Griffin announced on June 28 that he will leave ASU July 15.

In addition, his experience as athletic director at Arkansas Tech University and his familiarity with ASU and the State of Arkansas made him an attractive candidate, Wyatt said.

Lee said he is pleased to have an opportunity to return to his home state.

"I feel extremely honored and proud to be associated with such an outstanding university. I have lots of roots and relationships in the state and I look forward to renewing them," Lee commented.

"Dr. Wyatt’s leadership and vision are also major attractions. And, the community has indicated to me and my family that Jonesboro is a comfortable place to live. We look forward to a bright future for the athletic program and the university as a whole."

At the beginning of the search process, President Wyatt said that experience in athletic administration at the NCAA's Division I-A level and a proven record of fund-raising success were the most crucial qualifications for candidates. Knowledge of Arkansas and ASU would be an additional plus.

Lee's proven skills in marketing, promotion and sales while working effectively with alumni, boosters and support groups make him particularly well suited for the ASU leadership, Wyatt added.

"Dr. Lee has indicated he is willing to accept our challenges and circumstances and to make them better," Wyatt added. "I am pleased to introduce an individual who is so uniquely qualified for the immediate challenges before us, and for continuing our involvement in Division I-A."

Lee, 45, was named associate athletic director of development at OSU in 1997, following two years as athletic director at Arkansas Tech University. While at Tech, he directed the school's move from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II level.

The opportunity at Oklahoma State came largely because of his success as vice president of the Razorback Foundation at the University of Arkansas, where he served from 1988 until he left for Tech in 1995. While at Fayetteville, he also served on faculty as an instructor.

In his role at OSU, Lee served as chief executive officer of the "Athletic Associates," a professional fund-raising organization. His leadership with the group included collaborating with its board and the OSU athletic director to manage investment and disbursement of financial gifts.

He also has been involved with developing and directing the $100 million campaign for a new football stadium. Previously, he coordinated and solicited funding for a $56 million facilities expansion project.

During Lee's tenure at OSU, annual giving has increased to nearly $22 million, with $7.6 million in new revenue during the past fiscal year. During the past five years, membership in the POSSE athletics booster organization has increased by 60 percent, while sales of basketball and football tickets have improved by 70 percent and 36 percent, respectively. Football season ticket sales exceeded 30,000.

Lee has been very active in numerous professional and civic activities, including serving as chair of the 2002 Big 12 Development Directors Conference.

Lee earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education at Henderson State University, then completed his doctor of education degree at the University of Arkansas.

Although he was born in Oklahoma, Lee competed in high school sports in Arkansas, participating in the All-Star football and basketball games in 1975. He played basketball, baseball and tennis at Henderson State, where he later served as an assistant coach. He also was head basketball coach at Malvern High School early in his career.

He and his wife, Reba, are the parents of two daughters, Diamond Olivia and Anna Pearl. His mother lives in Berryville, Ark.

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