Alden's Contract Extended Through 2004
7/14/1999 12:00:00 AM | General
July 14, 1999
COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri-Columbia Chancellor Richard Wallace announced today an amendment to Athletic Director Mike Aldens contract, which will extend it through Aug. 31, 2004. Aldens salary remains the same. Wallace announced Aldens appointment as athletic director almost exactly a year ago. In that year Alden has increased the athletics department budget by a record amount -- $3.5 million, jumping Missouri from 11th in the Big 12 Conference in terms of operating budgets to sixth. Recently the Omaha World Herald rated Missouris athletic program fourth in the Big 12 behind heavyweights Texas, Nebraska and Texas A&M.
Alden reorganized the departments administrative structure and hired new coaches, Quin Snyder and Rob Drass to lead MUs mens basketball and womens gymnastics programs, respectively. He also negotiated a contract extension for Head Football Coach Larry Smith.
Another Alden priority has been an acceleration of the Universitys commitment to excellence in athletic facilities. Construction began in June on a new baseball stadium, and Aldens management of MUs Insight.com Bowl budget allowed for a profit of $150,000 that has been reinvested into the program (along with private gifts) to add to the Yeckel Weight Training Facility that benefits Mizzous entire student-athlete population. During Aldens brief tenure athletic fund raising has reached record levels.
"I expected great things from Mike Alden when we brought him to Missouri, and he has not disappointed me," Wallace said. "I think I speak for many of our supporters when I say we appreciate his energizing of the entire athletic program. He has renewed the focus on the total student-athlete and the priority of the Missouri student in the development of athletics. We wanted to extend Mikes contract as a signal to him that we believe in what he is doing and to encourage him to keep delivering the same excellence he and the athletic department staff have shown in the past year."
Prior to coming to MU, Alden was director of athletics at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He has worked in athletic administration for Division I schools since 1985, serving as assistant athletic director for administration at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz and as associate athletic director for development at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, N.M.
"I am encouraged by the vote of confidence from Chancellor Wallace in what we are doing as a department at Missouri," Alden said. "As I have indicated previously, Missouri is the place where Rockie, Jake and I want to be, and this indication of confidence in my leadership of the athletic department further solidifies our commitment to this great institution. I am so pleased to know that our efforts as an entire department are recognized by the chancellor and administration of the University of Missouri."
