March 9, 2015
- Mack Rhoades Testimonials
Photo Gallery
COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced today that Mack B. Rhoades IV has been appointed director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Mizzou. He will assume the post in late April.
Rhoades currently serves as vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Houston, where he oversees 17 varsity sports and has led a revival in academics and facilities since his arrival in August 2009. Prior to joining the University of Houston, Rhoades was director of athletics at the University of Akron.
| Mizzou Athletic Director History | |
| 1897-1908 | Clark Hetherington |
| 1909-10 | W.J. Monilaw |
| 1911-18 | Chester L. Brewer |
| 1919-20 | Dr. Walter E. Meanwell |
| 1921-23 | Zora G. Clevenger |
| 1924-34 | Chester L. Brewer |
| 1935-42 | Don Faurot |
| 1943-45 | George Edwards |
| 1946-66 | Don Faurot |
| 1967-70 | Dan Devine |
| 1971-72 | Wilbur Stalcup |
| 1972-77 | Mel Sheehan |
| 1978-86 | Dave Hart |
| 1986-88 | Jack Lengyel |
| 1988-92 | Dick Tamburo |
| 1992-94 | Dan Devine |
| 1994-98 | Joe Castiglione |
| 1998-Present | Mike Alden |
"Mack Rhoades brings a wealth of experience as a Division I athletic director to Mizzou, and he has demonstrated a commitment to our core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and competitive excellence," Loftin said. "I am delighted to welcome a leader with a track record of enhancing the student-athlete experience and a proven record in fundraising and facility development. We found the right fit at the right time to take Mizzou Athletics to even greater heights."
At the University of Houston, Rhoades rejuvenated the athletics program across the board, including enhancements in the student athlete experience, academics, facilities, fundraising and competitiveness. During the 2013-14 academic year, 10 of the 17 sports programs competed in NCAA postseason competition. The football team has participated in bowl games in four of the last six seasons, including the 2011 season when the Cougars were ranked as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings and competed in two consecutive bowl games in 2013 and 2014. In almost every academic measurement, including GPA and APR, Houston reached record levels; Rhoades created the Cougar Pride Leadership Academy to provide life-long leadership skills for student-athletes.
"The University of Missouri is a world-class institution, and I am honored to serve as its next director of athletics," Rhoades said. "Success begins with great people and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to keep the athletics program among the nation's elite. Amy and the girls and I are extremely excited to become members of the Mizzou family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chancellor Loftin and President Wolfe. I look forward to traveling the state to meet the fans who are the heartbeat of the Tigers."
During his tenure, Houston raised nearly $100 million and built $160 million worth of new facilities, including a new on-campus football stadium and a men's and women's basketball development center. Rhoades also negotiated a new multi-media rights deal for the athletics program as well as one of the top five facility naming rights deals at the collegiate level.
"Mack Rhoades is a highly respected national leader who has chaired the Athletic Directors of the American Athletic Conference, served on several NCAA leadership groups, and led key committees in multiple conferences," University of Missouri System President Timothy M. Wolfe said. "His demonstrated excellence in all facets of athletics leadership will help MU continue the unparalleled growth and success it has enjoyed over the last few years."
Rhoades holds a bachelor's degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona and a master's degree in athletics administration/sports management from Indiana University. Rhoades succeeds Mike Alden, who announced Jan. 29 that he will step down this year to join the College of Education as an instructor. There he will participate in the Positive Coaching Program and higher education leadership courses.
NOTE: MU officials will hold a press conference to introduce Mack Rhoades at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 10 in the MU Student Center. Media will be required to show identification. Limited parking is available in the parking lot directly north of the MU Student Center.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Mike Alden, Outgoing Director of Athletics, University of Missouri
“We are excited to have someone of the caliber of Mack Rhoades as our next leader for Mizzou Athletics. I've had the pleasure of knowing Mack for many years. He is a very talented Director of Athletics and is nationally-recognized. He is a great fit for Mizzou, and I applaud Dr. Loftin for his leadership throughout the hiring process. Rockie and I are very happy for Mack, his wife Amy and their daughters. We welcome them and their family to Mizzou.”
Britton Banowsky, Commissioner, Conference USA
“Mack is an extremely talented administrator and a wonderful person. I really enjoyed working with Mack and I know he will do great things at Mizzou.”
Dennis Dodd, CBS National College Football Writer
“Mack Rhoades is one of the most dynamic college administrators in the country. Because of his leadership, Houston was able to tear down its old football stadium and build a new one on top of it within a two-year span. That ability to get things done quickly and efficiently is almost unheard of in college administration these days. Rhoades is a leader and a visionary. He will be a great fit for Mizzou.”
Danielle Donehew, Executive Director, Women's Basketball Coaches Association
“I consider Mack Rhoades to be one of our great servant-leaders. Mack has a true passion for building - building on tradition, building facilities, building a donor base, building a talented staff, and most importantly, building the student-athlete experience. Mack values people first and is a systematic leader and mentor for his campus and the industry of intercollegiate athletics. I am certain Mack will be an amazing asset for the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Amy, are dear friends, and I wish them well as they join the Mizzou family.”
Carl Lewis, Assistant Track & Field Coach, University of Houston
“Congratulations go out to my colleague and good friend Mack Rhoades. He will be dearly missed, but he leaves our program here at the University of Houston better off than when he came in. I'll always think of him when I see that new stadium, and that's quite a legacy to leave. Even though he's leaving us, I look forward to a long friendship with Mack and his family and wish them the best at Missouri.”
Oliver Luck, Executive Vice President, NCAA
“I got to know Mack down in Houston when I was with the MLS franchise and we were leasing the stadium at the University while we were building our own facilities. We had an excellent working relationship, he was always very accommodating to us, and very customer-service focused. Mack is a very smart guy and very engaging, he may be one of the best fundraisers in the country. I'm glad to see him get the position at Missouri, and I know he'll be tough to replace at Houston.”
Brett McMurphy, ESPN College Football Insider
“Mack Rhoades is the perfect person to lead Mizzou in the SEC. He was the best AD at a non-Power 5 conference school in the country and accomplished the unthinkable at Houston in getting an on-campus football stadium built. He also had the vision to target Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman, which was one of the best new coaching hires. His energy, passion and experience will pay huge dividends at Missouri.”
Jim Nantz, CBS Sports, University of Houston alumnus
“Mack modernized the entire athletic department at the University of Houston. He brought tremendous passion and vision to our program. He's one of the bright young minds in the college community. We are going to miss him.”
Bob Stull, Director of Athletics, University of Texas-El Paso
“Mack was with us for seven years and did an outstanding job. He is a people person and well-liked by coaches, staff, fans and donors. Mack is an excellent fundraiser who helped us build three major facilities here at UTEP and continued with major projects at both Akron and Houston. He has expertise and experience in all aspects of athletic administration including marketing, compliance, development, student-athlete services, strategic planning, hiring and development of coaches and staff. Mack is an excellent fit for MU and he and his wonderful wife Amy and their daughters will be a great asset to the Columbia community. We wish him the best of luck.”
Kevin Sumlin, Head Football Coach, Texas A&M University
“Mack Rhoades was an excellent boss at Houston, and remains a great friend today. He is a tremendous leader and a great communicator with the students, coaches and donors. He will do a great job at Missouri and is an excellent addition to the Southeastern Conference.”