Hickory, N.C. – Lenoir-Rhyne University has announced the hiring of Aaron Bessey as Associate Athletic Director for Marketing & Promotions.

Bessey comes to LR after serving as Athletics Director of Marketing at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga., for the past two years.  At GSU, Bessey implemented the Georgia State Blue Pride Student Marketing Organization and oversaw the marketing and budget of the Spirit Team (cheerleader and dance programs).

In addition, Bessey directed the oversight of planning, coordinating, producing and directing of the marketing and game day promotions for all of the Panthers' home football, men's basketball and baseball events and assisted with all of Georgia State's sports. 

Bessey helped enhance the game day environments with new promotions and giveaways, a disc jockey at basketball games and a better tailgating experience.  Georgia State was able to raise football season ticket sales and Bessey also helped oversee the transition of the football team's move to the old Turner Field, its new home stadium.

"I am beyond excited to join the Lenoir-Rhyne family" said Bessey.  "I am very thankful to President Whitt & Athletics Director Kim Pate for giving me this opportunity.  From everything I've seen and heard, the community and alumni's support for LR is fantastic.  I will work diligently to expand and build on our current corporate and community partnerships in support of enhancing the Bears' student-athlete experience."

The primary responsibilities of the Associate Athletic Director for Marketing & Promotions at Lenoir-Rhyne include procuring corporate sponsorships and enhancing our partners' brand awareness, heading up the athletics marketing and promotional strategy with the goal of enhancing the fan experience and game day environment.

Prior to Georgia State, Bessey was Assistant Director of Promotions and Fan Engagement (2014-15) and Athletics Marketing Assistant (2013-14) at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.  At Appalachian State, Bessey oversaw the Mountaineers Kids Club and helped begin the Street Team to enhance student engagement on campus.

"I am excited to add Aaron Bessey to our Bears' Leadership Team," said Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics Director Kim Pate.  "He brings great experience, tremendous energy and has quickly proven himself to be a rising star amongst collegiate marketing professionals.  He is the ideal person to take our marketing and corporate partnership strategy to the next level.  I look forward to seeing him make an immediate impact on our game environment and fan engagement experience."

Bessey graduated from North Carolina State University in May of 2013 with a bachelor's degree in sport management/PRT (parks, recreation and tourism) with a double minor in business administration and law and justice.  As a student at N.C. State, Bessey served as a men's basketball student manager and a campus recreation intramural sports supervisor.