Terry Mohajir, Kansas University’s senior associate athletic director for external relations, has been named the athletic director at Arkansas State University, the school announced Wednesday morning.

Mohajir was introduced as ASU’s new AD at a news conference at 10:30 this morning in Jonesboro, Ark. He replaces Dean Lee, who moved into a new role as the school’s associate vice chancellor.

The move is a return home of sorts for Mohajir, who graduated from Arkansas State with a major in sports management and a minor in marketing in 1993 and was a starter on ASU’s football team.

“I’m right back where I started my athletics career,” said an emotional Mohajir at his introduction. “I’m so excited to be back to serve this emerging university.”

Speaking with pride about seeing a member of his staff inherit such a role, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger said Mohajir was a great fit for ASU.

“I’m excited for Terry and Arkansas State,” Zenger said. “It’s a rare privilege to get to serve your alma mater as its director of athletics. Terry’s energy and marketing savvy will bode well for both of them.”

Mohajir included Zenger on his short list of people he thanked Wednesday morning.

“Thanks to him for letting me learn under him this past 13 months,” he said. “His counseling and advice was very much appreciated.”

Mohajir joined Kansas Athletics in May of 2011 after working at Florida Atlantic as a senior associate athletics director from 2004-11. While at FAU, he oversaw development, marketing, ticket sales, corporate sales and the media relations department.

His duties at Kansas included assisting in the operations for the Williams Educational Fund and directing the efforts of the Marketing and Game-Day Experience staffs. The year-plus he spent in Lawrence was Mohajir’s second stint with the Jayhawks, as he previously served as an assistant offensive line and game-day special teams coach with the KU football program from 1993-96.

Zenger said he believed KU’s staff was equipped to handle Mohajir’s departure.

“Because of the talent and skill set of the people we have in house, and the organizational momentum that’s already in place, I believe that members of our department will step up and take on more responsibility,” he said.