Welcome to the Pinkleton Pull-Aside Podcast. On this podcast, let’s step aside from our busy lives to have fun, fascinating life giving conversation with inspiring authors, pastors, sports personalities and other influencers, leaders and followers. Sit back, grab some coffee, or head down the road and let’s get the good and the gold from today’s guest. Our host is Jeff Pinkleton, Executive Director of the Gathering of the Miami Valley, where their mission is to connect men to men, and men to God. You can reach Jeff at GatheringMV.org or find him on Facebook at The Gathering of the Miami Valley.

Mark Whitworth was introduced as Asbury University’s first-ever Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics on March 29, 2018. In 2020, his role in the AU administration was expanded to include University Communications. Under Whitworth's leadership Asbury has experienced significant growth, most notably becoming a member of NCAA Division III in 2021.

A 1984 Asbury graduate and former member of the university’s board of trustees, Whitworth served on the SEC staff for 27 years before becoming Chief Operating Officer at Knight Eady (a sports marketing and event management firm) in 2016. Whitworth previously served as Associate Commissioner for External Affairs. In that role, he was the SEC’s day-to-day contact for ESPN, working closely with the national cable network to coordinate coverage of more than 420 SEC events per year across multiple distribution platforms.

Prior to joining the SEC, Whitworth served on the Athletic Department staff at the University of Tennessee from 1984-1988. While at UT, he earned a master’s degree in Sports Administration. Whitworth received a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University in 1984 and was a member of the baseball team. He was appointed to the Board of Trustees at his alma mater in 2009 and was a recipient of the 2014 “A Award” given annually to alumni who have achieved distinction professionally and demonstrated loyalty to Asbury.

He is married to the former Tyanne James of Winchester, Ky, who is an Asbury graduate. They have a son (Tyler) and a daughter (Mary Kathryn) who is also an Asbury graduate.