UNI Athletics announces promotions for Messerli, McKee and Wiedrich
8/6/2025 2:00:00 PM | General
Panthers promote leaders in compliance, revenue generation and marketing to new titles.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin on Wednesday announced the promotions of three department leaders to new positions to reflect the department's steadfast commitment to driving continued success.
Ben Messerli has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Sport Administration, with Steven McKee being named Associate Athletic Director for Revenue Generation, while Jacob Wiedrich promoted to the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing.
Messerli, a native of Marion, Iowa, joined UNI's senior athletic administration in 2014 as Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and was promoted to Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Sport Administration in 2022. In his role, Messerli has been responsible for ensuring UNI Athletics' compliance with NCAA regulations and guidelines, which include eligibility, financial aid, recruiting and education of student-athletes of NCAA compliance rules.
Additionally, Messerli will continue to serve as the sport administrator for the UNI soccer, tennis, swimming and diving and golf teams.
Prior to his time in Cedar Falls, Messerli worked in the athletic compliance offices at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, the University of North Dakota and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the latter of which he also worked as a student assistant in compliance while attending graduate school.
"I'm truly excited to continue serving the incredible student-athletes and dedicated staff at UNI," Messerli said. "It's an honor to be part of a department and senior administration that is united in making bold, positive moves toward the future. The momentum we're building together is impactful, and I'm grateful to play a role in shaping what's ahead for Panther Athletics."
McKee, a Yankton, South Dakota native, has been a part of the UNI Athletics staff since Feb. 2024 when he was hired as Assistant Athletic Director of Revenue Generation. In his role, McKee has overseen UNI's annual fund, the Panther Scholarship Club (PSC), as well as ticketing, premium seating/hospitality, special events and the department's courtesy car program.
In his expanded role, McKee will manage a major gift prospect portfolio with the ability to move Panther supporters along the donor pipeline and provide a deeper focus on premium seating and suites.Â
In his first year and a half at Northern Iowa, McKee has helped secure $508,500 in major gifts for various Panther initiatives, oversaw the reseat of the UNI-Dome, which has generated $118,000 in new season ticket revenue as well as a 52% increase in football season ticket revenue. He has also helped secure $102,500 in named annual/endowed scholarship funds, seen a renewal percentage increase for all five of UNI's ticketed sports and created the Des Moines PSC Committee to help grow PSC membership in the Des Moines area.
Rally In The Valley, the PSC's annual fundraising gala also saw an increase in fundraising from fiscal year 2025, while the PSC as a whole is on pace to increase membership for the first time in five years. McKee also helped in the integration of ticketing systems with the UNI Foundation, while the UNI's Fund Drive is also currently on pace for a record setting year.
Prior to his time at UNI, McKee spent four and a half years at Northern State University in South Dakota in multiple roles, including as Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Coordinator of Athletic Marketing and Events.
"I am incredibly grateful and humbled by this expanded role," McKee explained. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics Megan Franklin, Senior Associate AD Scott Peace, Foundation Associate VP Steve Gearhart and Foundation President Jim Jermier for their confidence and trust in me with this role. I couldn't be more excited to continue to work closely with the Cedar Valley and UNI community during this Legacy Era of UNI Athletics! Go Panthers!"
Wiedrich, a native of Moorhead, Minnesota, has served as UNI's Director of Marketing since November of 2023. Since joining the Panther staff, he has overseen the Panthers' marketing & advertising efforts, managed in-game entertainment and promotions, supervised marketing interns and support staff. He also is responsible for the department's licensing program as well as TC's Kids Club.
Under his leadership, UNI was nationally recognized this past year by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) for two athletic promotions in "Panthers In Paradise" weekend, along with "Tattoos And Takedowns," both of which earned silver award recognition. "Panthers In Paradise" featured courtside hot tubs for UNI home basketball games against Illinois State during the Feb. 7-8 weekend, while "Tattoos And Takedowns" took place on Feb. 16 as the Panther wrestling team set an all-time McLeod Center attendance record with 7,348 fans in attendance against Iowa State.
TC's Kids Club, UNI's exclusive group for children aged 3-12, also saw an increase in membership, revenue and attendance under Wiedrich.
"I greatly appreciate Director of Athletics Megan Franklin and Senior Associate AD Scott Peace for allowing me the opportunity to continue to grow as a young professional while at UNI," Wiedrich said. "It's an honor to be recognized for the hard work and success that our team has had this past year. I look forward to continuing to enhance our marketing and fan engagement efforts throughout the Legacy Era!"
UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.