Office of University Communications 

Rick Kindhart hired as sports information director at Missouri State

SPRINGFIELD — Rick Kindhart, assistant executive director for communications for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), has been named the new sports information director at Missouri State University. He begins his duties July 1.

Kindhart replaces Mark Stillwell, who has been sports information director at Missouri State since 1972. Stillwell will continue to work on special projects in Intercollegiate Athletics until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2008.

“We are extremely pleased that Rick Kindhart has agreed to join the university as sports information director,” said Bill Rowe, director of athletics. “He combines a passion for Missouri State with great experience in sports public relations; plus, he has outstanding media and athletics contacts not only in Missouri, but throughout the country. His experience as an administrator will serve us well. We look forward to having him on board.”

Kindhart is in his second stint with the MSHSAA. From 1996-2000, he was communications and publications director. After serving a year as statistics coordinator for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Indianapolis, he returned to MSHSAA in the same position. He was promoted to assistant executive director on July 1, 2005. From 1993-96, he was sports information director at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss.

Kindhart graduated cum laude from Missouri State University in 1991. While at Missouri State, he was selected to the Golden Key National Honor Society and three times was selected to the Outstanding College Students of America. He received his Master of Science in Administration degree in 1993 from Southeast Missouri State University where he also served as assistant sports information director from 1991-93.

In his current role at MSHSAA, Kindhart serves as the state and national media liaison; researches, designs and edits all publications; negotiates media rights and broadcast packages; has responsibility for the Web site and electronic media, such as streaming; maintains historical records; coordinates special events, such as the MSHSAA Sportsmanship Summit; and performs a number of other duties, including student services and awards programs. 

He is a member of the College Sports Information Directors of America and is past chairperson of that organization’s Computer Committee. He is also a member of the Society for American Baseball Research.

“I am thrilled to return to my alma mater and have this opportunity,” Kindhart said. “I began my athletic media relations career in this office, and to come full circle in this capacity is a dream come true. There are a lot of exciting things going on around campus and within the athletic department right now. I can’t wait to be a part of them and contribute to their success.”

Kindhart’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Governors, which will next meet on June 20.