Mike Alden stepping down as AD, addresses community in news conference

University of Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden announced Thursday he will step down from his position effective August 31 of this year.

Alden has served as MU’s athletic director for 17 years.

Alden addressed the public in a news conference Friday morning.

Deputy Chancellor Mike Middleton said, “I was most impressed by Mike’s integrity. Mike had a real commitment to doing the right thing, the right way.”

“Beyond his skill of running an athletic department, [Alden] was a significant player in the chancellor’s leadership team,” said Middleton.

“I know the value of a good AD. Mike Alden affected my decision to come from Texas A&M to Mizzou,” said MU Chancellor Bowen Loftin.

Alden addressed the crowd, “I want to say thank you to all our students on campus. It’s an honor to be here with the student athletes.”

Alden became emotional speaking about his family life as a child. Holding back tears, he spoke about growing up in a different home and said his brother John never left him.

“The only constant we had in our life was our farm in Callaway County. That was something that gave us some stability. My mom lives out there right now.”

Alden recalled telling his now wife Rockie in 1991, “I’m going to be the athletic director of Mizzou, that is my dream.”

Alden then described all of the ups and downs of his tenure at Mizzou.

“Have we made mistakes? Absolutely we have. Have we had challenges? No doubt about that. Each on of those mistakes, we learned from that. So today, where are we? So proud of our student athletes. We are leading program in America. Number two just behind Vanderbilt,” said Alden.

“The future holds opportunities to not just compete for SEC championships, but national championships.”

“Let me tell you why now, I’m trying to keep my emotions in check. I’ve cried a lot in the last five days, and even before,” said Alden on stepping down from his post.

Alden recalled introducing Kim Anderson as the new men’s basketball coach, “I’m telling you, get ready.” Alden said Anderson is putting the pieces in place to compete as a team.

Alden said, “This is the best athletic job in the country.”

As Alden wrapped his statement, he took questions from the media.

Alden spoke about his new position in the College of Education. He’ll be in the school of positive coaching, and said it’s a passion of his to be in the classroom.

“I’ve been toying with this for a couple of years, when is a good time to transition? I zeroed in back in late spring, early summer,” said Alden.

On the length of his tenure, Alden said, “The biggest lesson as athletic director is to humble yourself. You can get caught up in the position and notoriety.”

Chancellor Bowen Loftin said he tried to talk Alden out of stepping down, but Alden was firm on his decision to leave. Loftin said he will lead the search for the next AD using a search firm, and hopes to have a replacement fairly quickly.

Loftin said he wants a leader that balances both athletics and academics.