BIG RAPIDS – Will Goode has joined the Ferris State University Advancement and Marketing
team as an Athletics advancement officer. Goode hails from Limestone College in Gaffney,
S.C., where he was associate Athletics director for Development and Marketing.
Ferris Athletics Director Tom Kirinovic is pleased to welcome Goode to the university. “Will’s background is a perfect fit for our fundraising efforts within the Athletics department,” Kirinovic said. “He understands the concept of team and how important everyone’s role is in working together to create a successful fundraising effort.”
During his tenure at Limestone, Goode is credited with re-invigorating the Saints Club – Limestone’s Athletics booster club – to increase its membership from 23 to 90 in 4.5 years. Goode credits his love of athletics, and having played two years of college football, as giving him the insight to excel within the athletics field.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to build upon and foster the relationships developed – both past and present – by Ferris State University’s Advancement team and Athletics department,” he said, adding Ferris provided a unique appeal to him with its diverse group of people and larger Athletics atmosphere.
At Ferris, Goode will facilitate Athletics Development, which includes raising awareness of Ferris Athletics and cultivating the support necessary to foster not only the athletic but academic growth of the university’s student-athletes. Ferris offers an intercollegiate athletics program which includes 14 men’s and women’s sports at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II level, as well as Division I men’s ice hockey. Each year, more than 400 student-athletes compete for the Bulldogs at the regional and national level.
“We are delighted to welcome Will Goode as a partner in our advancement efforts,” added John Willey, vice president for University Advancement and Marketing. “His professional background in fund raising to support intercollegiate athletics is reinforced by his perspective as a former college athlete and strong identification with places like Ferris in which athletics can play a vital part in a student’s experience.
“Will’s energy, skill and personal qualities will be much appreciated by the many alumni and friends of Ferris who support our Bulldog teams, and who are eager to show their appreciation through the sort of generosity that inspires greater success,” Willey said.
Goode added he also is excited to transfer his Lions Club membership to Mecosta County, and find a variety of other avenues in which to get involved in the Big Rapids community. “I want to be involved in the area as much as possible to help foster the bond between Ferris Athletics and the community,” he said.
Goode’s wife, Leah, and their dog, Kobe, will join him in Big Rapids in May.