Missouri State University

In recognition of its changing role, and to better align with current industry standards, the name of the Office of Sports Information at Missouri State University will be changed to the Office of Athletics Communications, effective October 1. 

In a related move, Sports Information Director Rick Kindhart will be promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications, also effective October 1.

"The change in office name more accurately describes what that office does for the Athletics Department and the University," said Paul Kincaid, Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for University Relations.  "And the promotion for Rick Kindhart is well-deserved.  Both Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics, and I consider Rick to be an integral part of our management teams."

Athletics Communications is one of five units in University Relations.  The other four are University Communications, Publications, Photographic Services, and Web and New Media.  Athletics Communications works closely with the Athletics Department administration, coaches and student-athletes.

"In my short time here, I have been pleased and impressed with Rick's leadership and the assistance he and his staff have provided," said Moats.  "I believe the change in the office name is very appropriate as is the promotion for Rick."

Kindhart was named to head the office in July 2008 after serving as assistant executive director for communications for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) for a total of 11 years. Kindhart graduated cum laude from Missouri State University in 1991, and received his master's degree in 1993 from Southeast Missouri State, where he served as assistant sports information director from 1991-93. From 1993-96, he was sports information director at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. He is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America, Society for American Baseball Research and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and is the recipient of numerous regional and national writing and publication awards.

The office also includes assistant directors Ben Adamson, Eric Doennig and Tim Bohn.  The job titles for Adamson and Doennig will change from Assistant Director of Sports Information to Assistant Director for Athletics Communications;  Bohn's title will change to  Assistant Director of Athletics Communications, Web and New Media.

During the past year, the Missouri State Athletics Communications department has received conference, regional, and national awards from the College Sports Information Directors Association of America and the Missouri Valley Conference.  The department is located in Hammons Student Center.

These organizational changes are subject to final approval by the Board of Governors, which will review the request at its October 30 meeting.