Aug. 10, 2010

The University of Tennessee Athletic Department announced the addition of Jimmy Stanton today as Associate Athletic Director for Communications. Stanton, who holds a graduate degree from Tennessee, previously held a campus position at the University of Kentucky, serving as Executive Director of Public Relations & Marketing. Stanton will oversee Media Relations, Public Relations, Sports Information, Internet Operations, Broadcasting and Photography and will be the primary communications strategist for Tennessee football and both directors of athletics. Stanton will report to Chris Fuller, Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations.

"Jimmy brings a great deal of experience to this position, both in athletics from his time with the Titans and the Astros and with his recent University stint at Kentucky," said Mike Hamilton, Director of Men's Athletics. "It was clear from the very beginning that he has a great passion for the University of Tennessee, and we think he will be a excellent fit in this position."

In 2004, the University of Tennessee became the first Division I athletic department with a full-time Public Relations Director, Tiffany Carpenter. The recent departures of Carpenter and Associate Director of Public Relations, Kassidie Blackstock, presented an opportunity to reshape athletic communications.

"We've done a very good job with the nuts and bolts of sports information and media relations," said Fuller. "With the 24/7 news cycle and the daily brand management impact, we felt that this was an opportunity to bring greater emphasis to athletic communications."

Prior to joining the University of Kentucky's communications team, Stanton served as the Director of Media Relations for the Houston Astros and Assistant Director of Media Relations for the Tennessee Titans.

"Jimmy Stanton is a consummate professional," said Phil Garner, former Houston Astros Manager and Tennessee graduate. "He is extremely well-respected in Major League Baseball circles from his time with us in Houston. He's first-rate and will do an outstanding job for the University of Tennessee."

Stanton, a Midland, Texas native, earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science at Southwestern University in 1996 and completed his master's degree in Sports Management at the University of Tennessee in 1997. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a two-year old daughter, Laura Kate, and a two-month old son, Patrick.