University of Missouri athletic director stepping down

University of Missouri athletic director Mike Alden announced Thursday he will step down from his position effective August 31.

Alden has been the athletic director for 17 years. According to a release, Alden will be an instructor in the College of Education at MU.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past 17 years, which is a lifetime for an athletics administrator. I am most proud of our tremendous coaches, staff, and student-athletes, and how they represent our University,” said Alden in a letter to the University.

Chancellor Bowen Loftin said in a statement Thursday,”Over seventeen years of service to the University of Missouri, Mike has transformed our athletics program into one of the nation’s best, with world-class student-athletes, coaches, staff, facilities, affiliations and financial resources. He led our institution’s move to the Southeastern Conference and has been at the helm as our teams won multiple championships over the years. Though I am saddened that Mike will no longer be a member of our leadership team and leading our Department of Athletics, I am truly happy for him and Rockie as he embarks on a new challenge here at Mizzou. Mike will always be a part of our family.”

Loftin said a national search for a new athletic director has already begun.

Thursday evening, SEC commissioner Mike Slive released a statement on Alden’s departure: “”Mike has been a transformative leader for Missouri Athletics since 1998 and he has commanded national respect across the college athletics landscape for his service on numerous NCAA committees. Mike played a critical role in the transition of Missouri into the Southeastern Conference and I will always remember his calm demeanor, his authoritative presence and his infectious enthusiasm as he introduced the Mizzou tradition to the SEC.”

A news conference is planned between Loftin and Alden at 10:30 a.m. Friday.