Brent Blazek was named the Associate Athletic Director of Development and Engagement in April 2022. In his role, Brent will focuse on alumni and donor engagement with athletics through major giving, managing annual giving in the R Club, and growing corporate sponsorship opportunities. Brent also manages alumni and donor engagement programs including the Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, Rockhurst Cup golf tournament, and Celebrate RU Day of Giving.
Prior to his appointment in athletics, Brent served Rockhurst University in the Office of Advancement in Alumni Relations from 2012-22 in positions including Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Gift Officer, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, and Senior Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. During his time in Advancement and Alumni Relations Brent led the team in creating several new alumni engagement programs, including a wide variety of virtual programming opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brent also oversaw several successful fundraising initiatives including establishing five endowed class scholarships through the Golden Hawk Scholarship program, and endowments supporting Rockhurst Athletics including the Norman Majors, ’62, Family Fund, the Reggie Thorpe, ’71, Memorial Scholarship, and major gifts to support the creation of the Magis Activity Center. Brent also led several successful alumni and donor engagement events benefiting athletics including the 50-year anniversary celebrations of the 1964 Men’s Basketball NAIA National Championship, Alumni Night at the Ballgame, and the 100-Year Celebration of Rockhurst Men’s Basketball.
Brent graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in secondary education, and in 2012 with a master’s degree in sports and fitness management. He found his passion for higher education and athletics through early career opportunities with the KU Alumni Association, Kansas Athletics, and the Kansas Golf Association. At Rockhurst, Brent completed his MBA in 2017, and a certificate in analytics in 2021.
Brent is also involved in several volunteer leadership organizations including the Futures Board for the Catholic Education Foundation and Young Professionals Board for the City of Leawood. He resides in Overland Park, Kansas and enjoys reading, golfing, running, and cheering on his favorite teams (Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks, and Hawks).
