Five finalists have been named in the search for Missouri State University’s Director of Athletics position. The five are scheduled for interviews over the next five weeks.
The five finalists are successful and experienced athletics administrators from five different states across the country. The finalists were among 103 who applied to replace Bill Rowe, who is retiring in June after a 50-year association with Missouri State, the past 27 as Director of Athletics.
The five finalists are:
Bob Arkeilpane (ARK-earl-pane), Deputy Director of Athletics at the University of Cincinnati
Rick Darnell , Executive Director of Athletic Fundraising and Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Advancement at Baylor University
Mike Marlow , Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at the University of Oregon
Kyle Moats , Associate Athletics Director of National Marketing at the University of Louisville
Don Oberhelman (O-ber-hell-man), Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer at San Diego State University.
Interviews will take place next weekend through the middle of May. According to the University, when the finalists come to campus, they will be involved in about two days of interviews with the Search Committee, coaches and athletics department staff, student-athletes, other administrators, and President Michael T. Nietzel. There also will be a session with media and an Open Forum for the entire campus community, Bears fans, and the general public. The detailed interview schedules for each of the five will be publicized when they are finalized.
University officials hope to make a final selection soon after the interviews are completed so the new Director of Athletics can begin his duties by July 1.