March 20, 2007

Misty Norris was named Director of Athletic Marketing and Promotions within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at The University of Texas-Pan American, which was announced on Tuesday (Mar. 20).

"The prospect of working on the University level, and to do so at an institution like UTPA, was an opportunity that I could not pass up," said Norris. "I'm looking forward to being a part of the UTPA Athletics team and helping the great fans of the Rio Grande Valley to get as excited as I am about the future of the Bronc and Lady Bronc programs."

"Misty is a tremendous addition to our administrative staff in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. She brings excellent experience in the areas of marketing, game management and development of staff members so I believe that she will bring all of those qualities to our athletics program. She's worked at the highest level of professional basketball in Houston and will be able to bring a lot of ideas and promotions to the UTPA Athletics family," added Director of Athletics Scott Street.

The newly-named Director of Athletic Marketing and Promotions will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing plans to increase attendance at all UTPA home events; soliciting and maintaining corporate sponsorships; coordinating and managing game-day event operations; coordinating special events and managing community relations programs designed to involve the Rio Grande Valley community with UTPA Athletics.

Norris comes to the Rio Grande Valley after serving as the Guest Services Coordinator with the Houston Rockets, Houston Comets, Clutch City Sports and Entertainment along with the Toyota Center. In her role as the Guest Services Coordinator, Norris was responsible for event preparation, arena set-up, staffing operations and scheduling events (approximately over 200 events a year) for the Toyota Center.

Norris was involved in the hiring, training and development of all Guest Services event staff members during her time with the Toyota Center. She was responsible for maintaining communications with all building departments in order to troubleshoot all potential problems as well as oversaw the Toyota Center Tour Program, including the hiring and training of tour guides as well as the scheduling of events.

Prior to becoming the Guest Services Coordinator, Norris served one year in a similar capacity as the Guest Services Intern where she assisted with monthly scheduling of event staff and coordinating staffing requirements while supervising and coordinating smaller events held at the Toyota Center.

Norris worked outside of the arena of professional athletics as a Recruiter for Sapphire Technologies in Austin, TX, which is the third-largest IT Consulting Company in the world. In her role with Sapphire Technologies, Norris played a role in the constant development of new business partnerships while working in the areas of customer service and sales marketing.

Norris graduated from Baylor University in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in marketing.

The newly-named Director of Athletic Marketing and Promotions will officially begin her duties with the UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics on March 26th.

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