Wren Baker

Wren Baker

Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades has recruited Wren Baker to join his leadership team at Mizzou, as announced today.  Baker – one-time Athletic Director at Northwest Missouri State – has agreed to become Rhoades’ Deputy Director of Athletics (for External Relations), starting officially on Monday, June 8.  At Mizzou, Baker will oversee all external relations units, and serve as the sport administrator for the men’s basketball program.

Baker, 36, comes to Mizzou from the University of Memphis, where he served as Deputy Director of Athletics/External Affairs from February 2013 to the present.  At Memphis, Baker provided an immediate impact as the department secured the single largest gift in its history under his watch, while launching a $40 million capital campaign.  In addition, suite sales and multi-media rights revenues set a new record and Memphis’ Tiger Scholarship Fund grew in membership and donations all in his first year.

Prior to joining Memphis, Baker was Director of Athletics at Northwest Missouri State, where he directed one of the nation’s top Division II athletic programs from February 2011-February 2013.  Prior to his time at Northwest, he was the first-ever Director of Athletics at Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla., spending five years overseeing the growth of a start-up department into a very successful comprehensive program.

“We are very excited Wren is becoming a member of our team,” said Rhoades.  He is regarded as one of the up-and-coming administrators in the nation and has established an impressive track record of success at every stop of his career path.  Throughout his career, Wren has demonstrated terrific work ethic, the ability to genuinely connect with people and uncompromising integrity.  He is a high-energy person who will provide great passion and leadership for our student-athletes, coaches and staff.  We are thrilled Wren, his wife Heather and two daughters, Addisyn and Reagan are joining the Mizzou Athletics family,” said Rhoades.

“I am honored to be joining the Mizzou family and am grateful to Mack Rhoades for the opportunity,” said Baker.  “The University of Missouri has a tremendous reputation and Mack is considered one of the best and brightest leaders in collegiate athletics.  Our family is looking forward to returning to the “Show-Me State” and joining Mack’s team as we build on a proud and prestigious athletic tradition,” he said.

At Northwest Missouri State, Baker led the department to greater operational efficiencies and improved customer service.  During his tenure at Northwest, his team secured the largest gift in department history, and increased revenues by an impressive 60 percent during his time there.