Associate AD no longer at Southeast Missouri State

The relatively new position of associate athletic director for external affairs at Southeast Missouri State already is vacant.

Frank Cuervo, who was hired to fill that post a little more than a year ago, no longer is employed by the university as of Wednesday.

Several sources said Cuervo was relieved of his duties, which he vehemently denied. Southeast director of athletics John Shafer did not return a telephone message seeking comment.

"There is no truth to that at all. That's totally false," Cuervo said when asked if he had been dismissed. "It was a perfectly amicable parting."

Asked if the decision to leave the university was his alone, Cuervo said "absolutely."

Cuervo officially started at Southeast on Jan. 4, 2010. He was the first person hired to fill a position that oversees sports information, marketing and development among other responsibilities.

Cuervo was one of the driving forces behind the Show Me Sellout promotions the last two years. The promotion aimed to fill the Show Me Center for one basketball game each season.

Cuervo, a 1997 Florida graduate, said he is proud of what he helped accomplish during his time at Southeast and is grateful to Shafer and Southeast president Ken Dobbins.

"We had a lot of things moving in a positive direction here. I have certainly enjoyed my time here," Cuervo said. "I'm appreciative to both John Shafer and Dr. Dobbins for the opportunity they gave me."

Cuervo said he left Southeast for an opportunity in the "private sector," although he did not get into specifics. He said the opportunity will allow him to remain in Cape Girardeau, at least for the time being.

"It was certainly a difficult decision," Cuervo said.

Cuervo previously worked in athletics administration at several other universities, including Missouri, Indiana, Ohio State, Bowling Green and Northern Illinois.