UTSA
Athletics Names Brad Parrott as Director of Community Relations and Promotions
(Aug. 15, 2001)--UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey announced that Brad Parrott
has been named director of community relations and promotions for the University
of Texas at San Antonio's Athletic Department.
Less than two months after retiring from Southwestern Bell as area vice president-external
affairs, Parrott will direct UTSA's efforts in building community outreach
and game promotions. He will begin work in the newly created position on Sept.
1, 2001.
"The athletic department at any university is its marquee," Parrott
said. "It's the part of the university that everyone sees most often
on television and reads about in the newspaper. It's our responsibility to
make sure that UTSA and its athletic department are visible in the community."
Parrott comes to UTSA after spending the past 23 years with the Southwestern
Bell Corporation (SBC). He spent his last four years in San Antonio where
he was responsible for community and government relations throughout South
Texas. Prior to that he worked in a variety of positions with SBC, including
corporate communications, government relations, media relations, economic
development, external affairs, advertising, employee communications and consumer
affairs.
"Our community outreach efforts begin on campus with the students and
faculty, and extend to the business community, schools and military bases,"
said Parrott of his new role at UTSA. "San Antonio is a sports crazy
town. We're going to touch as much of it as possible. We want everyone wearing
blue and orange."
"It's important for our coaches, student-athletes and other students
to be involved in the community," Parrott continued. "We'll be announcing
very soon programs that will benefit non-profit organizations in San Antonio
and will reach out to young people throughout the metropolitan area. We want
to give something back, as well as educate and entertain."
A former sports reporter for the Oklahoma City Times, Parrott has spent much
of the past 30 years devoting his time to organizing and promoting athletic
organizations and events. Since joining SBC he had been involved with UTSA,
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Alamo Bowl, San Antonio Spurs, Olympic
Sports Festival, PGA Championship, National AAU Men's Basketball Championship,
Smithson Valley High Athletic Booster Club and other athletics activities.
"It's an exciting time in UTSA athletics and we are extremely pleased
to be able to attract someone of Brad's experience and expertise to this important
new position," said Hickey, who is beginning her third year as UTSA's
athletic director. "Through his work at Southwestern Bell and in the
community, Brad has established himself locally and he is someone with a great
deal of integrity and enthusiasm who will make a difference in our outreach
efforts."
A native of Oklahoma, Parrott is a 1975 graduate of Central State University
in Edmond, with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He and his wife, Brenda,
have two children, Brandon and Bradie. "Our student-athletes are fortunate,"
Parrott said. "They have an outstanding role model right here on campus
in Dr. Romo. He's an accomplished college athlete who became equally successful
in his professional life. It's his intent to build UTSA into a flagship university.
Our athletic department wants to be the beacon for the next flagship university
in Texas."
For more on UTSA sports go to UTSA Roadrunners Official Athletic Web site.