In Wren Baker, WVU hires exactly what was targeted in new AD
I’m going to do something I’ve never done before.
I’m going to quote myself.
This, from my last blog for Wheelhouse Creative LLC:
“I expect the new AD to be someone business focused, external, and with both eyes on generating more revenue.”
Well, guess what just happened when WVU hired Wren Baker from North Texas.
They got someone business focused, external, and with both eyes on generating more revenue.
And forget “eyes wide shut.” These eyes appear to be wide open.
I know for a fact those at Country Roads Trust, with which Wheelhouse works, are fired up about Baker’s hire.
“With the reports coming forward, we wish to very much welcome Wren,” said Country Roads Trust co-founder Oliver Luck. “He’s extremely talented, having led North Texas into the American Athletic Conference as well as to record fundraising drives and athletic successes.
“Country Roads Trust is excited about creating a great relationship. Wren is terrific at external and fundraising processes, and we know we’ll have a productive relationship that will benefit all WVU student-athletes.”
I’d advise all Mountaineer fans to welcome Baker with open arms. He’s not a “big name” you say? Well, hell, he’s not recruiting football or basketball players. He’s recruiting donors. He’s raising funds. And right now, in this new era of Name, Image and Likeness, portals and transfers, that’s the name of the game.
Aside from the Neal Brown football extension, I believe that’s why WVU president Gordon Gee made the move from Shane Lyons. And while Baker may not have a “big name” to those outside of college athletic circles, he’s certainly proven to be an effective fundraiser within.
Like at four different universities.
Like at NCAA Division II power Northwest Missouri, where he was athletic director. Revenues increased there by 60 percent.
Like at Memphis, where, as hoops administrator, he secured the Tigers’ largest gift in university history and helped it post its best fundraising year.
Like at Missouri, where as deputy AD, he helped with record fundraising and led the department’s external relations team, including development, marketing, licensing, the ticket office, and strategic communications.
And, of course, like at UNT, where, during his tenure, the department registered the four best fundraising years in its history while securing 12 of the 20 largest gifts in athletic department history, six of the top 10 and the overall top four largest gifts in athletic department history. Under Baker’s leadership, UNT athletics set a school record for fundraising in a single year, nearly doubling the previous department record.
Fundraising. External work. It’s obviously what Gee desires from his AD. It’s the direction in which he believes WVU needs to go.
And he’s no doubt hoping Mountaineer fans rally around the man.
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Mitch Vingle covered sports in West Virginia for 38 years. Follow Mitch on Twitter at @MitchVingle and be sure to check out the rest of Wheelhouse Creative’s website for your marketing and advertising needs. If interested, call us at 304-905-6005.