Tuesday, July 25, 2017
by Alaska Anchorage Athletic Communications

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – University of Alaska Anchorage interim athletic director Tim McDiffett announced July 24 that Ian Marks has been hired as the Seawolves’ next assistant athletic director for media relations.

Marks comes to UAA from Colorado Mesa University, where he was the assistant AD for athletic communications since 2013. At CMU, he was responsible for promoting the Mavericks’ 25-sport NCAA Div. II program and served as media coordinator for multiple NCAA regional and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships events. In addition to redesigning the department’s CMUmavericks.com website, he also helped double of the size of CMU’s social media reach.

“Ian comes to UAA with a wide breadth of experience and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to working with the media and promoting successful programs,” McDiffett said. “He not only understands the traditional role of a collegiate media relations director, but also has great insight into the emerging and constantly evolving trends in the industry. We are very pleased to welcome Ian to Anchorage.”

Prior to his time at CMU, Marks was the assistant director of athletic communications at Michigan Tech University, where he worked with all of the Huskies’ athletic teams, including as the primary contact their NCAA Div. I hockey program. He also helped coach the MTU track & field teams for five seasons.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2005 with his bachelor of print journalism degree, Marks served sports information internships at NCAA Div. II program Pittsburg State and NCAA Div. I program Montana, before taking the lead role at his alma mater in 2007.

“I’m extremely excited join the Seawolf team and be part of the growing tradition of success at UAA Athletics,” said Marks, who originally hails from Marshfield, Wisconsin.

McDiffett said Marks will start at UAA in mid-August and work with outgoing assistant athletic director for media relations Nate Sagan to transition the department.