By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State Athletics Director Dr. Dave Waples and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Wednesday that Art Eckman has been hired as the Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations.
‘We are excited and fortunate to have Art join the staff,” said Dr. Waples. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is very well connected in the media world, which will help bring more visibility to the athletic department.”
Eckman comes to Kennesaw State after more than four decades in broadcasting. Most famously known for being the voice of Supercross and Motocross, Eckman has established himself as one of the most versatile broadcasters in the business.
“It’s exciting to be joining a University that has been recognized as one of the top seven emerging educational institutions in the south,” commented Eckman. “Kennesaw State has become a big player academically and athletically in our state.”
Eckman will oversee the six-person Sports Information Department and will be the major catalyst in establishing new media with an emphasis on electronic communication, audio, video, as well as being a media liaison.
“From Hall of Famer, Larry Nelson, to the six recent major league baseball draft picks, Kennesaw State has worked its way into Division I status with an all-around successful program, added Eckman. “The sports information department here is very good and I want to use my experience to enhance it further. This is the right place for me at the right time.”
After beginning his career as a sports anchor and sports director in Portland, Oregon, Eckman has seen his career flourish as a play-by-play announcer, color analyst, studio host and reporter.
A fixture at the national level while enjoying a 20-year career at ESPN, Eckman is known locally for his work as Sports Director at WXIA-TV, where was part of the 11 Alive sports team for 13 years.
Having worked for numerous professional teams including the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, Houston Rockets, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco Giants, Eckman’s career has spanned numerous mediums and organizations.
Eckman is returning to the collegiate landscape, as he previously spent time with Georgia Tech, Oregon State University and Stanford University.
The Eckman Profile
Professional Sports
Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, Houston Rockets, San Diego Rockets
College Programs
Georgia Tech, Oregon State, Stanford
College Conferences
Atlantic Coast Conference, Metro Conference
Television
ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN classic, The Outdoor Channel, Jefferson-Pilot, Raycom, WXIA-TV (Atlanta), KRON-TV (San Francisco), KOIN-TV (Portland)
Radio
WSB (Atlanta), WGKA (Atlanta), WGST (Atlanta), KSFO (San Francisco), American Sports Radio Network, Sports By-Line USA, WGZC (Atlanta)
