Eastern Kentucky University Athletics

Corey Neal joined the EKU athletics department as associate athletics director and chief of staff in July 2020. Neal was promoted to senior associate athletics director for external engagement in the summer of 2022. 
 
His responsibilities include athletics strategic initiatives, fan engagement, ticket sales, marketing, branding, football scheduling and assisting in day-to-day operations of the department. Neal also serves as the football sport administrator. 
 
The Richmond, Kentucky native earned a bachelor’s of science degree in kinesiology from the University of Kentucky in May of 2014.  He completed a master’s of science in sport administration at Eastern Kentucky University in May of 2016.
 
Neal was previously the assistant athletics director for revenue generation at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.  He also held the positions of ticket manager and development coordinator during his time at Nicholls (2017-2020).  He led revenue generating efforts in all external or revenue producing areas.  He streamlined the ticket platform to allow for a customer friendly experience.  Neal aided in increases in football season ticket revenue each year and helped produce a 101 percent increase in basketball ticket sales.  He revamped tailgating and parking to produce a more effective use of the area and to provide a memorable and unique experience to fans.
 
Neal also increased revenue from the annual fundraiser 43 percent.  He assisted in updating the Colonel Athletic Association, including new donor levels and sport-specific funds.  Neal assisted in the development and execution of marketing plans.  He was responsible for football scheduling, completing contracts for more than $1 million in revenue, and served as the sport administrator for men’s and women’s cross country, and indoor and outdoor track & field.
 
From July 2014 to May 2017, Neal served in a variety of roles at EKU including ticketing, academics and marketing.  From January 2014 to May 2014, Neal worked as an athletics event management intern at UK.
 
Neal has two daughters – Kylie and Norah.