Jim Stephan, formerly the sports information coordinator at Ohio University, has been named assistant director of media relations at Troy University, director of media relations Ricky Hazel announced today. He will begin his duties immediately, working primarily on media relations efforts for the men’s basketball and golf programs, while assisting with football.
"Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Athletics Media Relations office," Hazel said. "We have worked together in the past and have had a strong relationship. Jim is well connected with media outlets nationally and will do a great job of promoting Troy Athletics."
Stephan, 39, spent four years as sports information coordinator for the Bobcats, overseeing the athletic department’s public relations efforts for 21 sports. He worked directly with the football, men’s basketball and women’s lacrosse teams. Stephan started as Ohio’s assistant sports information director, dealing with volleyball, women’s basketball and baseball before being promoted after one year.
A native of Savannah, Ga., Stephan began his career in sports information as a graduate assistant at Georgia Southern in 1989, where he worked with current Troy Senior Associate Director of Athletics Scott Farmer. He worked with the majority of sports there, moving up to associate director of media relations before leaving 10 years later.
He spent the 1999-2000 season as director of media relations at the University of North Dakota.
Stephan holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree in sports management from Georgia Southern. He is married to the former Elise Lan.