Three initial finalists have been named in the search for Missouri State University’s director of athletics position. The three are scheduled for interviews over the next two weeks. 

The finalists are successful and experienced athletics administrators from three different states and were among 54 who applied to replace Kyle Moats who left Missouri State in June after serving the past 15 years as its director of athletics. 

The finalists and their interview dates are: 

Roger Denny  

University of Illinois 
Chief operating officer and executive senior associate athletics director  

• Resume
• Interview: Aug. 12-13 
• Campus community forum: 3:30 p.m., Aug. 12, Glass Hall room 354 

Patrick Ransdell  

Appalachian State University 
Deputy athletics director  

• Resume 
• Interview: Aug. 16-17 
• Campus community forum: 2:15 p.m., Aug. 16, Great Southern Bank Arena Prime Overtime Club 

Vince Volpe  

Arizona State University 
Associate athletics director  

• Resume 
• Interview: Aug. 19-20 
• Campus community forum: 3:30 p.m., Aug. 19, Great Southern Bank Arena Prime Overtime Club 

“This was a great pool of candidates, and it was difficult for the committee to narrow down the search,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement and chair of the search committee. “The rapid growth of our university and our pending move to Conference USA has really made this an attractive position.” 

Upon arriving in Springfield, the finalists will be involved in a series of interviews with the search committee, coaches, athletics staff, student-athletes, other administrators, and President Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams.  

The visits will also include a campus community forum. Attendees of the forum sessions will have an opportunity to electronically share feedback on each candidate with university officials.  

Dunn noted the initial group of finalists could be expanded if necessary. The university hopes to narrow the field in the coming weeks in effort to name its new director of athletics early in the fall semester.