Missouri State to introduce Ransdell as new AD

Missouri State University will officially introduce Patrick Ransdell as its new director of intercollegiate athletics during a news conference on Aug. 30.

Friday's news conference will take place at 10 a.m. in the Plaster Student Union Theater on the Springfield campus. The event will be open to the public with surface lot and metered parking available during the announcement.

Ransdell, who becomes MSU's 11th athletic director, has served as deputy athletics director for external relations at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, since December 2021.

His initial agreement with Missouri State is a five-year deal.

"Patrick is the right person to lead Missouri State University athletics as we prepare to join Conference USA next year," said Missouri State President Dr. Richard "Biff" Williams. "His experience and leadership style will help Missouri State move to the next level of competition."

History in athletics

Before overseeing external operations and leading major fundraising initiatives at Appalachian State, Ransdell spent five years at the University of Central Florida, ultimately serving as executive associate AD for the Orlando university. Upon his arrival at UCF in 2016, he initially served as assistant AD for administration before being promoted in summer 2017 to executive associate AD for revenue generation and took on the role as UCF's chief revenue officer for the department.

While at Appalachian State, the Mountaineers experienced record-setting attendance numbers, leading the nation in percentage of stadium capacity filled, while also setting program records for total attendance. The school also experienced record numbers for donor participation, ticket revenue and annual fund growth during Ransdell's tenure.

Similarly, during his time at UCF, the Knights experienced record revenue in tickets and corporate sales, while enjoying national success on the field.

From 2013-15, Ransdell was an assistant director of development at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, before being promoted to assistant AD there in February 2015.

He has also held leadership positions at UNC-Wilmington and Coastal Carolina after starting his athletics administration career at the University of Mississippi. All told, he has 20 years of notable leadership experience at six different NCAA Division I universities.

"My family and I couldn't be more excited to join the Missouri State family and serve as your next director of athletics," said Ransdell. "I want to thank President Williams and the Missouri State Board of Governors for their trust and confidence in my ability to lead our athletic department to new heights. I also appreciate the search committee for their dedicated efforts throughout the interview process.

"I am eager to work with our talented student-athletes, coaches, staff, passionate alumni and enthusiastic fans. With Missouri State's history of success, solid foundation and the opportunity of growth for both the university and the surrounding community of Springfield, I could not have dreamed up a more ideal place for the Ransdell family. We are ready and excited to begin this journey together. Go Bears!"

Personal history

A four-year student-athlete on Western Kentucky's baseball team, Ransdell earned his bachelor's degree in mass communication from WKU in 2002 with a minor in psychology. He later completed two post-graduate degrees at Ohio University, including his MBA in 2004 and master's in sports administration in 2005.

Ransdell and his wife Brooke have two children, Walker and Collins.

AD search

The process to replace former Missouri State AD Kyle Moats began June 12 with an announcement from Williams naming Vice President for University Advancement Brent Dunn as chair of the search committee. Williams also named Senior Associate Director of Athletics Casey Hunt as interim director of athletics at that time.

According to Dunn, the committee reviewed 54 applicants and began interviewing the first of three finalists on Aug. 12. Ransdell was on campus for a comprehensive series of interviews Aug. 16-17.

Ransdell is expected to begin his new role in early September. The Missouri State Board of Governors approved the hire and related contract terms during a special meeting today, Aug. 28.

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