General | 7/15/2022 4:17:00 PM

July 15, 2022 – A press conference will be held on Monday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Kossover Family Tennis Center to formally introduce David Spafford as the third Director of Athletics for Emporia State University in the last 40 years. The public is invited to attend and the event will also be streamed on The MIAA Network and aired live on KVOE 1400AM/96.9FM.

A Belleville, Kansas, native, Spafford brings a blend of experience spanning 22 years in NCAA Division I and Division II athletics with an additional five years in University Advancement at seven major universities. He has assisted or led more than 10 major capital improvement projects totaling $253.6 million and has experience in two major university's $1 billion campaigns. Spafford is committed to educational excellence, competitive success and integrity while leading the coaches, staff and student-athletes to achieve the same goals.

TIME: 2:00 p.m.
DATE: Monday, July 18, 2022
PLACE: Kossover Family Tennis Center (1726 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS)

What others say about David Spafford
"As an Emporia State alum, I am thrilled that Dave was selected to lead ESU's Athletics Department. Not only does Dave have the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, I know he will also positively impact the student-athlete experience which is critical in college athletics today.  I am excited for both Dave and his wife Bryanna and all they will bring to the community.  This was a great hire."
  -Brian Pracht
    Associate Athletics Director for Industry and Campus Engagement, University of Notre Dame and 1994 ESU graduate

"Emporia State University just made a transformational hire with the selection of David Spafford as the next Athletics Director. David's Kansas roots and his deep connections across college athletics will allow the Hornets to achieve the full potential of the institution and compete at the highest level. I have known David for over 20 years, and as a former student-athlete at ESU, I am certain his experience, skill set and leadership style will be a perfect fit. I can't wait to watch David lead the Hornets into this next era of college athletics."
  -Ross Bjork
    Director of Athletics, Texas A&M University and 1995 ESU graduate

"Congratulations to David on his new position and the opportunity to draw closer to family. He made great strides in fundraising and facilities during his time at Regis, led the Rangers to RMAC championships and national rankings, and was a strong advocate for league initiatives. We are very appreciative of his contributions, wish him the best of luck at Emporia State, and will always consider him a friend of the RMAC."
  -Chris Graham
    Commissioner, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference