A new Intercollegiate Athletics director will begin at the University of Missouri in April, Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced Monday.
Since August 2009, Mack B. Rhoades IV has been vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Houston, where he oversees 17 varsity sports and led a revival in student-athlete academics. Prior to that, Rhoades was director of athletics at the University of Akron.
“Mack Rhoades brings a wealth of experience as a Division I athletic director to Mizzou, and he has demonstrated a commitment to our core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and competitive excellence,” Loftin said. “I am delighted to welcome a leader with a track record of enhancing the student-athlete experience and a proven record in fundraising and facility development.”
At the University of Houston, Rhoades rejuvenated the athletics program, including through fundraising and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
In almost every academic measurement, including GPA and APR, Houston reached record levels. Rhoades’ work included creating the Cougar Pride Leadership Academy to provide lifelong leadership skills for student-athletes.
“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,” Rhoades said.
Rhoades holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in athletics administration/sports management from Indiana University.
He succeeds Mike Alden, who announced Jan. 29 that he would step down this year to join the College of Education as an instructor.