OWENSBORO, Kentucky - (courtesy of @KWCPanthers) Kentucky Wesleyan College announced the appointment of Owensboro native and businessman Jim Askins
as the new Director of Athletics, according to KWC President Dr. Craig Turner.
Askins, 48, spent the past two months as KWC's interim AD while running the family business, America Service Group, Inc., as the Chief Operating Officer.
"Jim brings a breadth of experience to the position that, while not typical for a director of athletics, we feel will best serve us for the future," Turner stated.
"We were impressed with Jim's commitment to the concept of the successful student-athlete, his experience as a manager, his skills as a leader, and his commitment to the welfare of the entire college.
"There was great interest in the position with a wealth of well-qualified applicants; we feel that Jim is the best fit for us as we write the next chapter of the college's history."
Before joining the family business, Askins served 11 years in government as the Western Kentucky Field Representative for United States Senator Jim Bunning.
His collegiate athletic resume' includes tenures as assistant men's basketball coach at the University of the Cumberlands [Ky.] for one season (1990-91), KWC for three seasons (1991-94) and the University of Central Oklahoma for two seasons (1994-96).
The 1983 Daviess County High School graduate said on his appointment, "I'm honored to be named the next Director of Athletics at Kentucky Wesleyan College and very appreactive to Dr. Turner for giving me this opportunity and to my wife, Cynthia, and our children for supporting this career move in our lives.
"As I have served on an interim basis for several weeks, I have had the opportunity to get to know the coaches that we have here. All of them are passionate about KWC. They care about their student-athletes. They want what is best for them. I look forward to working with them to create the best possible college athletic experience for our student-athletes.
"I would be remiss if I did not thank (previous AD) David Williams for the work that he accomplished over the last two years and the foundation that he left us. It is a foundation that we can build upon and work together to make Kentucky Wesleyan College one of the premier Division II athletic programs in the country.
"We are passionate about Kentucky Wesleyan College and excited about this opportunity, and I hope that my passion and excitement will be contagious.
"Myself and the entire athletic staff will be out in the Owensboro and Daviess County community as we want to be a part of the excitement that is in the area and we want Owensboro to be excited about Kentucky Wesleyan College.
"We also look forward to our new affiliation with the Great Midwest Athletic Conference and continuing our association with the Great Lakes Valley Conference."
Dr. Turner added, "Jim Askins knows the region, he knows athletics, and he knows and loves Kentucky Wesleyan College.
"He has an exciting and dynamic vision for the future of Kentucky Wesleyan College, the Panther athletic programs and the new Great Midwest Athletic Conference."
Askins graduated from KWC in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and earned a master's in education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1996.
He and his wife, former KWC volleyball standout Cynthia Harle, have three boys and one daughter.