The search for the next Missouri State director of athletics now looks to be in the home stretch.

Missouri State University announced its three initial finalists for the athletic director position to replace long-time AD Kyle Moats, who left the university in June to become the Vice President and Director of Athletics for Eastern Kentucky University.

The finalists include:

• Roger Denny, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for the University of Illinois
• Patrick Ransdell, Deputy Athletics Director for Appalachian State University
• Vince Volpe, Associate Athletics Director for Arizona State University

“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.”  

All three finalists will come to Springfield for interviews with Missouri State coaches, athletic Staff, student-athletes, administrators and President Richard “Biff” Williams over the next two weeks.

The finalists will also take part in campus community forums on these dates: 

• Roger Denny: August 12, 3:30 p.m., Glass Hall room 354
• Patrick Ransdell: August 16, 2:15 p.m., Great Southern Bank Arena Prime Overtime Club
• Vince Volpe: August 19, 3:30 p.m., Great Southern Bank Arena Prime Overtime Club 

Dunn says the initial list of finalists may expand if necessary.

The University hopes to name its new athletic director early in the fall semester.

News Source : https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/missouri-state-athletic-director-search-down-to-three-finalists/