Sell, Spitzer Join Athletic Staff at Fairmont State University
Fairmont State University Director of Athletics Chad Fowler has announced two additions to his athletic administration that recently served in different roles on the Fairmont State campus.
Jessica Sell has been named the Director of Athletic Development, and Bryan Spitzer has been named the Director of NCAA Compliance.
Sell joins the athletic staff at Fairmont State after most recently serving as the Director of University Development and Government Relations at Fairmont State for the past year. She began her tenure at Fairmont State in 2016 as the Director of Development for the Fairmont State Foundation. Sell has aided Fairmont State in development, government relations and outreach since her arrival.
"Jessica will serve a vital role for the Department of Athletics as the Director of Athletic Development," said Fowler. "Fundraising, advertising and donor relations are a key part of the recent successes of our department and Jessica has the experience and expertise that is needed in her position.
"Since her arrival at Fairmont State, Jessica has made a significant impact in fundraising for the Department of Athletics, as well as other departments on campus," Fowler added.
Prior to her time in athletic & university development, Sell served West Virginia's current Senior United States Senator, Joe Manchin III, as both a Caseworker and as a Regional Coordinator before making the move back to higher education and athletics.
Sell's experiences with college athletics began as a member of the women's basketball team at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Sell, a high school star at nearby North Marion High School, helped lead the Tar Heels to the elite eight in 2005 and the final four in 2006. Sell earned the Athletic Director's Scholar-Athlete Award and was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll during her playing career.
Following her playing career, Sell began her professional career as the Assistant Director of Recruitment for UNC Women's Basketball in 2007. The Tar Heels advanced to the final four in 2007. Following one year on the women's basketball staff at UNC, Sell moved on to the University of California-Irvine, where she served as assistant women's basketball coach from 2007-08 and compliance coordinator from 2008-09.
Sell brings 13 years of experience in government affairs, athletics, communications, and public affairs to her new position.
Spitzer, a Fairmont State alumnus, took over as the Director of NCAA Compliance during the fall. Spitzer is a former standout pitcher for the Fairmont State baseball team and also served as an assistant coach for the Falcon baseball program in 2009.
Spitzer is in his 16th year at Fairmont State University, spending the previous 10 years working in the Office of Admissions and Recruiting. Spitzer most recently served as the Director of Recruitment since January 2018.
"Bryan will be an asset to our staff as the Director of NCAA Compliance," said Fowler. "This is a key position within an athletic department and Bryan comes to us with valuable experience from his time working with the Fairmont State Admissions & Recruiting Office. Bryan has been working with many of our coaches within the recruiting office for several years."
Spitzer served as Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruiting from 2015-2018, and was an Admissions & Recruiting Counselor from 2009-2015. In the fall of 2014, Spitzer was honored with the 2014 Rick Snow Young Professional of the Year Award, which is awarded by the West Virginia Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO).
Jessica Sell
Bryan Spitzer
NCAA Compliance
Director of Athletic Development