Sara Hacker (04), a Morehead State alum with experience in revenue generation and grassroots marketing, planning and execution, has returned to her alma mater as the assistant athletic director for external affairs.
A member of the Eagle softball team for four seasons, Hacker graduated with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations in 2004 and earned a master’s degree in sport management from MSU in 2006.
“I am extremely proud to be back at my alma mater. To be able to represent the Eagles again in a different capacity is very exciting,” she said. “Each opportunity in my career has been a stair step to prepare me to come home to my Eagle family. I am very anxious to be back in the region and create energy for the Blue and Gold. Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle.”
After serving as a marketing and promotions coordinator for MSU Athletics she began her career at East Tennessee State where she served as the director of marketing, promotions and event management from 2007-11. Hacker was promoted to the assistant athletic director for corporate development at ETSU from 2011-14.
She also managed the entire game-day promotions and fan atmosphere team and served as the sport administrator for softball and the cheer and dance programs. She was also an adjunct professor at ETSU for several years in the physical education and university studies departments.
From 2014 to 2017, Hacker took a national role as vice president of development for Dugout Media, Inc. Her focus was Baseball Youth and Softball Youth where she implemented creative sales tactics for teams and individual youth baseball events all over the country. She was the main contact and supervisor for all customer service and tournament logistics for all national events.
Hacker was the recipient of a “40 under 40” award from the Tri-Cities (Tennessee) Business Journal in 2011 and earned a “Make a Difference That Matters” recognition from the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce in 2012. During her time at ETSU, Hacker received many NACMA and NCAA awards for marketing and promotions efforts for game-day experience.
In addition to her full-time roles, she has hosted several philanthropic functions and community events, including serving as the primary event personality for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life as well as the Bristol Motor Speedway’s Children’s Charities and other national events.
A native of Florence, Kentucky, Hacker has two brothers who are Morehead State baseball alums. Scott (96) played from 1992 to 1996 and was a member of the 1993 OVC Championship team. Joey suited up for Eagle Baseball from 1995 to 1997.
For more information about MSU Athletics, visit www.msueagles.com.
