Shafer reviews resumes for associate AD position

With John Shafer hired Tuesday as the Southeast Missouri State athletic director, the university can continue the process of hiring an associate AD for external relations.

The position, which oversees marketing and fundraising areas of the department among other things, was recommended last spring in a review of the department by Carr Sports Associates, submitted to the board of regents with other recommendations by university president Kenneth Dobbins and approved by the university's board of regents.

The position was slotted to pay $85,000 annually with the hope it would someday pay for itself with new revenue for the department.

Shafer said he was reviewing applicants Wednesday.

During the AD interview process, the finalists were asked to submit names they might consider for the position. The list of people who applied for the position was shared with the finalists who came to Cape Girardeau as well.

"I need someone that is loyal and wants to be there as much as I want to be there and has the expertise to do the job," Shafer said. "It's a very important job, but he or she won't be alone because it's going to be a team effort to get it done. I'm looking for someone who is qualified, has a track record, is someone I have confidence in and will be loyal to me and the program."

-- Toby Carrig