AD Pezman leads ‘new era’ at ASU

Following a nationwide search, Arkansas State announced Monday that Chris Pezman has been hired as the university's 14th athletic director.

Pezman was formally introduced at a news conference Wednesday morning on campus in Jonesboro.

He most recently served as athletic director at the University of Houston. Pezman replaces Jeff Purinton, who resigned in April to take the executive vice president position at Learfield Sports Properties.

While he is still getting accustomed to the area, Pezman said he knew right away that the Arkansas State job was the opportunity he was looking for.

"We wanted this job so much, we took it sight unseen," Pezman said. "That tells you I think a lot because of the…