CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas athletic department has four new additions to the external team in the areas of marketing, media relations, video production and creative services.

    Chase Becvar has joined UCA Athletics as director of creative services. Michael Deere is UCA's first director of broadcast production and operation in charge of ESPN productions. Ryan Thiele is UCA's new assistant director of media relations. Kristen Oitker was recently named the interim director of marketing and promotions for the department.

    "I'm very excited to add Kristen, Michael, Chase and Ryan to our external team,' said Matt Whiting, UCA's associate athletic director for external relations. "Their talents and professional approach will be a tremendous asset to our department, and I look forward to working together with them to enhance the experience for our student-athletes and fans.

    Oitker, from Cabot, Ark., has been a graduate assistant in the UCA marketing department for two years, working under outgoing director Mackenzie Magwire.

    Thiele, from Collierville, Tenn., is a graduate of Southeast Missouri and the University of Memphis and worked previously in the Memphis athletics department.

    Deere, a Conway native, is a UCA graduate in the communications department and worked with Channel 6 while an undergrad.

    Becvar, from Greenwood, Ark., comes to UCA from Arkansas State, where he received his degree and worked as a videographer and creative content intern with the Red Wolves' football program.