Dec. 20, 2013

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Taylor Blakely has been named the new coordinator of marketing and promotions for the Oakland marketing staff, announced the athletic department on Friday. Prior to Oakland, he spent four months as the director of marketing at High Point University and replaces Dana Sheedy who recently left the department.

"I'm very excited to be here at Oakland University," said Blakely. "I am really looking forward to helping create the best environments possible for our student-athletes and fans. I know that Oakland has a tradition of great crowds and fans, which is something that really drew me to the school and the position."

At High Point, Blakely produced the largest single game crowd - 1,527 - in the history of men's soccer. He was responsible for season ticket sales for men's and women's basketball as well as the creation and execution of promotions and special events for athletic contests. He was at the helm of all marketing efforts for 16 varsity sports at the school, including all components of advertising and game day management.

Blakely also spent 10 months at Ohio University as the assistant director of marketing. There, he developed marketing and sales plans for football, men's basketball and volleyball, among others, with notable success. He also directed on-field promotions and game day marketing efforts for football, men's and women's basketball, volleyball, women's soccer, field hockey, wrestling and baseball.

Other stints in Blakely's time include a nine-month internship with the University of Detroit Mercy athletic department and a three-month internship with the University of South Carolina.

A graduate of Mississippi State University, Blakely received a bachelor's degree in physical education with a concentration on sport communication in 2009. He earned his master's degree in sport and entertainment management from the University of South Carolina in 2010.

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