LIBERTY, Mo. - William Jewell Director of Athletics Tom Eisenhauer has announced the hiring of Thomas Balkcom as the Assistant Athletics Director for Events, Facilities and Equipment. Balkcom takes over for Chase Kearney who moved into the role of compliance in August. He will oversee the game operations and day-to-day equipment and facility needs of all 24 varsity sports. 

"I'm excited about Thomas joining the Cardinals. Throughout his career as an athlete and a coach, he has demonstrated his leadership abilities and helped his teams achieve competitive success," said Eisenhauer. "Not only will Thomas help provide the necessary administrative support our students and coaches need, but he knows what it takes to win and the passion he has for young people and athletics will help the Department and the College thrive."

Balkcom spent time as the Associate Director of Player Personnel at Georgia Tech, overseeing logistical strategy for roster management, recruiting and serving as the NCAA compliance liaison. During his time with the Yellow jackets, he also coordinated all official visits, including serving as the game day host, provided oversight of all institutional and outside camps and clinics and served as the professional league liaison to the NFL, CFL and Arena Football. 

Prior to Georgia Tech, he was the Recruiting and Team Logistics Coordinator for Savannah State University where he coordinated travel and on campus facility needs for the football program as well as the recruiting efforts. Balkcom also spent time at Morris Brown College and Morehouse College overseeing football equipment and inventories along with team travel. Before joining the administrative side, he spent more than 20 years as a football coach, working primarily on the defensive side of the ball. He was twice selected to attend the NFL/NCAA Coaching Academy, an invitation provided to only an elite group of assistant coaches and was honored as an NFL Bill Walsh Coaching Fellow. 

As a defensive back for Georgia Tech, he was a co-captain of the 1990 national championship team and named the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the 1991 Florida Citrus Bowl. Following his collegiate career he signed a free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georiga Tech in business management and holds a master's in business administration and international business and finance from American Intercontinental University.