MUNCIE, Ind. - Jerry Peirson, a former high school and college basketball coach, has been named director of athletic development at Ball State University.

Peirson, 57, will focus his efforts on bolstering financial support for athletic programs. He will serve as executive director of the Cardinal Varsity Club, the official fund-raising organization for Ball State intercollegiate athletics. He assumes his new duties Aug. 1.

"Athletics is the window through which many people view the university," said Hudson Akin, executive director of university development. "Jerry will be a strong addition to our development staff in helping us continue to expand the opportunities for our student athletes."

The CVC provides private financial support for Ball State’s 22 men's and women's teams that compete in the intercollegiate athletic program and to help defray the cost of scholarships, recruiting, equipment and travel. Contributions are also used to enhance facilities and pay for other improvements.

“We are excited to have a person of Jerry's credentials assisting the athletic department in its fund-raising efforts,” said Andrea Seger, director of intercollegiate athletics. “His background in athletics will be of great benefit in meeting our goals. This position is critical to our continuing to move our program forward.”

Peirson, has close ties to Ball State and east central Indiana, serving as a color analyst for men’s basketball on the Ball State Sports Network since 1995, a role he will continue. Peirson graduated from Royerton High School in 1962, and his parents still live in Delaware County.

He also has worked in sales for Jostens from 1991-2001.

The company is a leading provider of products including yearbooks, class rings, graduation products, school photography, achievement awards and products for athletic champions and their fans.

Peirson was head basketball coach at Miami University, a member of the Mid-American Conference along with Ball State, from 1984-90. He also was an assistant coach from 1969-84 and served as a graduate assistant coach from 1966-67. At the high school level, Peirson was a math and physical education teacher, athletic director and head basketball coach at Cowan High School from 1967-69.

He received his bachelor and master’s degrees from Miami.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Peirson at (317) 889-1462. Seger may be reached at aseger@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1671. )