Before Missouri State University enters Conference USA, it will need to find an athletic director.
Eastern Kentucky University announced the hiring of Kyle Moats June 10, putting an end to Moats’ 15-year tenure at Missouri State. Moats previously spent 14 years at the University of Kentucky athletics department, serving as associate athletics director for marketing from 2000 to 2002. He later worked as associate director of athletics for national marketing at the University of Louisville for four years starting in 2005, before becoming the athletic director at Missouri State.
“My family and I are extremely excited about this opportunity. This not only brings us back to Kentucky, closer to friends and family, but also to an athletics program with a storied tradition of excellence and success,” Moats said in a press release from Eastern Kentucky University.
“EKU's rich legacy, with numerous conference championships, speaks to the university's commitment to sports excellence. I'm honored to join a program that has long been prioritizing student-athletes, focusing on holistic growth, and is supported by a passionate and dedicated fan base. I'm eager to get to work.”
Moats also thanked administrators, fans and students at Missouri State for his 15 years overseeing Bears sports.
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If Missouri State fans weren’t already buckled in tight for a wild ride into a new era, they better strap in with a full firesuit and helmet.
Moats’ departure comes at the same time incoming Missouri State University President Biff Williams takes over for the retiring Clif Smart.
“I first want to thank Missouri State and President Clif Smart for 15 wonderful years in Springfield,” Moats said. “We worked together on many tasks, and I'm proud of what we accomplished. I also want to thank the fans, alumni, students and staff for their loyal dedication to Bears Athletics during my tenure. It was a privilege to be your AD.”
Moats will begin his duties in Richmond, Kentucky on July 1.
“Hiring Kyle Moats is not just a home run for Eastern Kentucky University; it's a grand slam,” said EKU Interim Director of Athletics Dan McBride. “I have known Kyle for over 20 years, and I cannot think of anyone better suited to lead our athletics department during such a pivotal time in college athletics.”
Moats helped grow the MSU athletic budget from $14 million to $31 million while navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Moats oversaw a sponsorship revenue increase from $650,000 gross to $3 million and helped establish a state-wide over-the-air basketball television network deal worth $1.35 million.
He also spearheaded several fundraising campaigns, including raising the money for a new football weight room slated for development in 2025 at $400,000, the collaboration with two collectives to raise NIL money for student-athletes and several other six-figure projects.
Additionally, Moats was instrumental in initiatives that resulted in the naming of Great Southern Bank Arena, a contribution worth $5.5 million to Missouri State.
