Spider Spotlight
A Q&A with Jana Ross - Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Fan Development

Jana Ross helps create a fun atmosphere for fans at Spider sporting events.

BY LIA TREMBLAY
Writer/Editor, University Communications

What does your job entail?
I handle the marketing and promotions for all 16 of our sports and oversee the ticket office. A lot of my job involves making the game atmosphere fun for our fans. We want Spider fans to come to     the games and have a great time once they’re here.

How long have you worked at UR?
A little more than a year. My first day was June 5, 2006.

Where are you from originally?
I’m from Coffeyville, Kan. I attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence and moved here from Kansas City.

What did you do there?
I worked in a similar role at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Sports have always been my life, so sports marketing is really the perfect job for me.

How is UR different from where you   studied and worked before?
Because it’s small and private, it automatically has a different atmosphere. In my position, I meet a lot of alumni and they are so proud of UR. They always introduce themselves with their name and class year.

What are some projects you’re currently working on?
Working on the football and preparing for the basketball seasons. For example, I pick the music to play at the football games. You want music that gets the fans excited and also motivates the players while they warm up.

In addition, we are preparing the marketing and promotions plans for the basketball seasons. A big focus for the athletics marketing department right now is student attendance, so I’m focusing on student giveaways and pre-game activities for basketball.

Tell me about your family.
My parents live in Greeley, Colo., and I have a sister and brother-in-law in Denver.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love catching up with friends and family and, of course, sports are still a big part of my life outside of work. I play softball, basketball and volleyball whenever I can.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the student-athlete grow as a person. It’s great to see how they evolve over time into the people they will be.