gjenzug219c5126rThe Virginia State University Athletic Department announced the hiring of John Westbrook on Tuesday, August 5. Westbrook serves as Sports Information and Marketing Director.

Westbrook is involved with all aspects of the communications and media relations initiatives for the school’s 16 sports. He is responsible for developing and implementing season-long communication plans in concert with Virginia State’s overall strategic branding efforts.

“Virginia State University is fortunate to have Mr. Westbrook added to our athletic department staff,” Athletic Director Peggy Davis said. “His knowledge, skills and abilities within the Sports Information field and Marketing will be an asset to VSU and our many student-athletes.”

Westbrook came to Virginia State after serving as Assistant Manager of Media Relations at Jackson State University since 2013. He served as the primary media relations contact for volleyball, women’s basketball, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis and assisted with soccer and football. He also contributed to the editorial direction of Jackson State’s social and new media platforms.

Westbrook served as Sports Information Staff Assistant at Alabama State University from 2011-13 and assisted with the administration and operations for a number of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Championships.

Westbrook is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and a member of Joshua Lodge #774 Masonic Temple.

Westbrook is a Houston, Miss., native and a 2010 graduate of Jackson State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing and served as student assistant for sports information.