Ferris State Alum Nick Owens Appointed Coordinator Of Athletic Event Operations & Special Projects

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University Athletics Department has announced the appointment of FSU alum Nick Owens as the school's new Coordinator of Athletic Event Operations and Special Projects.

Owens, who served in a variety of roles as an undergraduate student on the FSU staff from 2015-17, most recently worked the past two years as a graduate assistant in athletics for Endicott College in Beverly, Mass. He fills the role created by the departure of Michael Przydzial, who departed for another opportunity at the end of the spring.

"We're excited to welcome Nick back to Ferris State and believe he has the ability to make a big impact in our operation moving forward," said Tim Blashill, FSU's Manager of Athletic Facilities. "Nick is a Bulldog and has significant on-campus experience in a variety of areas, including heavy involvement previously in event operations. We're looking forward to having him back and we're confident he'll do an outstanding job in this role."

During his two years at Endicott College, Owens helped run and operate the Raymond J. Bourque Ice Arena. He oversaw the hiring, scheduling and supervision of 40 student employees and performed contest and event management duties for assigned sports, including men's and women's hockey. He also maintained the day-to-day schedule of the facility, aided in building maintenance, and led the team equipment operations for both hockey programs among his many duties.

Prior to his role at Endicott, Owens served as the Bulldogs' Game Day Manager for athletics from 2015-17 where he was responsible for game management and contest operations for all 17 varsity sports. In his role as the game day manager, he assisted in ticket operations, developed and implemented a student employee handbook, coordinated parking logistics and revenue collection and also served as the direct liaison with visiting teams and game officials.

"I'm excited about returning to Ferris State and look forward to stepping into this role working with all 17 of our teams," said Owens. "I am a sports fan who has turned his passion for athletics into a career and am eager to build on what I have learned and experienced both at Ferris State and Endicott College. It's great to be back with the Bulldogs."

In addition to his role as the game day manager, Owens also previously served as a facility supervisor for the Ewigleben Ice Arena at FSU. As part of his duties, he helped maintain the day-to-day schedule of activities while also assisting in the management of the pro shop, concessions and maintenance employees. He helped monitor pro shop and concessions inventory and also operated the ice resurfacing and skate sharpening machines.

Previously, Owens also worked as a marketing and sales specialist for Ferris State Athletics in 2016-17, assisting the associate athletics director with advertising sales, contract fulfillment and revenue collection. He also spent time on campus helping generate interest for "Dawg Pound" hockey student season ticket sales.

As the Bulldogs' athletic event operations and special project coordinator, Owens will direct and manage event operations for the 17 varsity programs and other outside events while also being involved in overseeing various facilities and other special projects.

A native of Owosso, Owens earned his bachelor of science degree in sports communication from Ferris State in 2017 and recently received his master's degree in athletic administration from Endicott College this spring.

The Bulldogs open the 2019-20 athletics season with several events at home the weekend of Sept. 5-8, including football, soccer, volleyball and cross country. For additional information on FSU Athletics and complete schedules, please visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.