PERU – Peru State College announced Monday Kirk Kelley will serve as the Bobcats’ new athletic director beginning in May. He will spend the spring semester meeting faculty, staff and students.
Kelley has over 15 years of experience as an athletic director and assistant athletic director at Lyon College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Eastern Oklahoma State College.
“As an athletic director, Kirk has been a successful fundraiser, led winning programs and is known for his focus on character-driven athletic programs,” Peru State President Dr. Dan Hanson said.
Kelley has 30 years of experience with college baseball includes 17 years as head coach at Lyon College, scouting for the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres, and serving as associate head coach at Division I University of Central Arkansas (Conway, Arkansas). He has 626 careers wins. Kelley was named the 2011 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Baseball Coach of the Year.
The Kelley Indoor Baseball Complex at Lyon College is named in his honor and was built by alumni and friends of the program he started there in 1992. He is also a member of the school’s hall of fame.
“I am very impressed with Peru State’s athletic facilities, and my hope is that we can continue to work to expand in this area.” Kelley said. “We want to provide all student-athletes with the best experience possible. Peru State provides a great academic and athletic experience for its student-athletes.”
Peru State College has eight NAIA Division I sports and an active cheer squad.
