BEAUMONT, Texas – Kyle Nelson has been named Lamar University Assistant Athletics Director for Development announced Director of Athletics Jeff O'Malley Monday morning. 
 
Nelson makes the move over to the university athletics side after spending the previous two years serving as manager of sales and service through the Aspire Group (now known as Playfly Aspire Group). During his two-year affiliation with Lamar, Nelson has worked with selling season tickets, group ticket packages, premium seating as well as working on donations. During that time, Nelson has generated $350,000 in ticket revenue for the university.
 
"We're extremely excited to announce Kyle as our new assistant AD for development," said O'Malley. "I've had the pleasure of watching his work since I came to Lamar, and he is hard working and devoted to the Beaumont community. He has done a great job building our ticket base as well helping us improve our game day atmosphere. His relationships with our fans and donors will be a key component as we continue to build our Cardinal Athletic Fund."
 
While Nelson will still have a connection with the Cardinals' ticket operations, he will focus the majority of his time facilitating donations and strengthening the Cardinal Athletics Fund.
 
"Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to come to Lamar University through The Aspire Group (now Playfly Aspire) and I could never be more grateful for both Aspire and Lamar taking a chance on me," said Nelson. "During my time here in Beaumont, I have been blessed to work with so many amazing people both within Lamar Athletics and The Aspire Group. I would not be where I am today without the support of both entities. I want to thank Director of Athletics Jeff O'Malley, for giving me the opportunity to transition into a role that I have strived to be in from the moment I arrived. Thank you to everyone in the Playfly Aspire F.A.M.I.L.Y., specifically Tony Garrett, for guiding me over the last two years. Things are booming in Beaumont, and I can't wait to see how things continue to progress here at Lamar!"
 
Nelson will serve as the primary gift and membership coordinator for Lamar. He will be responsible for identifying and engaging potential donors, as well as planning events to engage donors. A member of the senior leadership staff, he will also provide direct support for game day and special event operations. 
 
Nelson graduated from Southeastern (Fla.) University in 2017 with a bachelor's in sports management.