Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin (L) hopes he has found a winner in Mack Rhoades.

Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin (L) hopes he has found a winner in Mack Rhoades.

University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin introduced Mack Rhoades as the new Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Mizzou.  Rhoades vows to come in and talk and listen to his staff and coaches before he formulates a plan on how to continue to move Tiger athletics into the right direction.

At the University of Houston, Rhoades rejuvenated the athletics program across the board, including enhancements in the student athlete experience, academics, facilities, fundraising and competitiveness. During the 2013-14 academic year, 10 of the 17 sports programs competed in NCAA postseason competition. The football team has participated in bowl games in four of the last six seasons, including the 2011 season when the Cougars were ranked as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings and competed in two consecutive bowl games in 2013 and 2014. In almost every academic measurement, including GPA and APR, Houston reached record levels; Rhoades created the Cougar Pride Leadership Academy to provide life-long leadership skills for student-athletes.

“The University of Missouri is a world-class institution, and I am honored to serve as its next director of athletics,” Rhoades said.  “Success begins with great people and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to keep the athletics program among the nation’s elite. Amy and the girls and I are extremely excited to become members of the Mizzou family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chancellor Loftin and President Wolfe. I look forward to traveling the state to meet the fans who are the heartbeat of the Tigers.”

Rhoades answers questions from the media.