Missouri State University

Missouri State University’s search for a new Director of Athletics is moving forward.  Kyle Moats, currently the Associate Athletics Director of National Marketing at the University of Louisville, will be invited back to the Springfield campus next week, marking the University’s next step in the search process.

Moats is one of five finalists in a field of 103 applicants to replace Bill Rowe, who is retiring at the end of June. Rowe is concluding a 50-year association with Missouri State, the past 28 as Director of Athletics. 

“The search is continuing, and this is the next step in the process,” said Brent Dunn, Vice President for University Advancement and chair of the Search Committee.  “We had four other very strong finalists, three of whom are still under consideration.   We felt that Kyle Moats had an attractive combination of talent and experience, and we wanted to explore some of those topics in more depth in a second visit.”

One of the finalists, Bob Arkeilpane from the University of Cincinnati, withdrew his candidacy on May 14, while fellow candidates Rick Darnell from Baylor University, Mike Marlow from the University of Oregon, and

Don Oberhelman from San Diego State University, remain in contention for Missouri State’s top position in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Moats is in his fourth year as Associate Athletics Director for National Marketing at the University of Louisville. He coordinates the Cardinals' efforts in national awareness, marketing, branding and group ticket sales. He was Senior Associate Athletics Director at Marquette University from 2004-05 where he oversaw MU's Blue and Gold Fund and several offices. He also has 14 years experience at the University of Kentucky, including his last two years at UK as Associate Athletics Director for Marketing (2000-02) for the university’s 22 intercollegiate teams. He also held titles of Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing (1997-2000), Director of Marketing, Promotions and Licensing (1993-97) and Coordinator of Promotions and Special Events (1991-93) at UK. He is a 1988 graduate of SIU-Edwardsville, where he also served as a men’s basketball volunteer assistant coach, and earned his Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Sports Management from Kentucky in 2001.

University officials say they will decide about other potential second visits following Moats’ return to campus.  Officials also remain hopeful that Missouri State will have its new Director of Athletics in place on or around July 1.