PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Johnson announced today (Jan. 23) that Jacob Lenard has been hired as Associate Athletic Director for Fan Engagement. Lenard, who has served as Sports Director at KOAM TV the past seven years, will formally start his new position in June.
 
In this role at Pitt State, Lenard will coordinate and manage all aspects of overall athletics program promotion and outreach through digital media, broadcasting, and other components of the game day experience for fans. Lenard also will serve as oversight administrator for the MIAA Digital Network. Jacob will manage and oversee all promotional aspects of football and basketball game day activities by serving as the "game producer" for video production, public address, and other promotional activities, while also developing and administering marketing and promotional plans for all sports and sports seasons, including season ticket campaigns and other promotional initiatives.
 
Lenard will serve as the primary liaison to Pittsburg State's third-party corporate sponsor sales group (Peak Sports Management), working with Gorilla Sports Properties General Manager Marissa Poppe on activation of all corporate agreements and inventory. He will also work with third-party constituents on the program's overall social media presence and strategy and all additional digital content for various media platforms.
 
"We are excited for this opportunity for Jacob to return to his alma mater and utilize his many talents to help our staff better promote Pitt State programs and, more specifically, Gorilla student-athletes," Johnson said. "Jacob is certainly an individual all of Gorilla Nation is intimately familiar with through his coverage of Four States sports; and we're looking forward to him becoming a key member of our staff this summer as we move forward to the 2023-24 year."
 
A December 2012 graduate of Pittsburg State University with a bachelor's of science degree in communication, Lenard joined regional television affiliate KOAM TV first as a multimedia news journalist in January 2013. He became a sports reporter for the station in June 2014, before elevating to the role of Sports Director in June 2015. The Yates Center, Kan., native has received multiple broadcasting awards, including the 2020 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) Media of the Year Award.

"I just want to thank Jim, the search committee and Pittsburg State University for this opportunity. Pitt State is a special place to me, and my family; and it has felt like home since the first time I stepped on campus as a student back in 2009.
 
"I really do believe the relationship between the community and Pittsburg State is special. I want to continue to build that relationship between the fans and our coaches and student-athletes. We have great coaches and student-athletes at PSU. I want fans to get to know them on a more personal level, and let them know who they're cheering for and supporting when they show up.
 
"I don't think fans realize how much of an impact they have on the success of the athletics programs at Pittsburg State. I have seen it myself. Gorilla fans can change outcomes of games when they show up and are engaged. I want that atmosphere for all of our teams here at Pitt State, from fall through spring. I want opposing teams to know when they come to Pittsburg, they are not just facing Pittsburg State – they're facing Gorilla Nation and the entire Pittsburg community."
 
Jacob and his wife, Rachel, reside in Pittsburg. The couple has a son, Keaton, who turns eight in June.