The term “end of an era” gets tossed around quite a bit, but as Mike Alden closes out his 17 years as athletic director at Missouri, it feels accurate.
In those 17 year, he lead Mizzou athletics to new heights, as they say, both on the field and in the classroom. His accomplishments include hiring the man that would become the Tigers’ winningest football coach, and leading the school into the vaunted ranks of the SEC.
As with any tenure that spans nearly two decades, mistakes were made, but as Alden said in the press conference announcing his retirement, “… we grew from that.” It’s that attitude that will serve him in his new role, as a teacher within Missouri’s College of Education, but it won’t be his first foray into education.
Mike Alden has been teaching for years.
Perhaps the greatest testament to his time at the helm of the Missouri Athletic Department, and his prior stops at Arizona State, New Mexico, and Texas State before that, is his list of former employees. Among them are thirteen men and women who now serve as Division I Athletic Directors themselves. At last tally are two in the Power 5, four Group of 5, five FCS, and two non-football ADs. This explosion of success has been referred to as the “Alden AD Tree” by some, but many of his former pupils have their own name for the group.
Click Image for full view of Aldens Army
Last Friday, I had the honor of speaking with Mike about the men and women he guided to the AD chair during his career. An infamously stoic man, you could hear the affection in his voice as he recounted each one’s time in his office. But, as you’ll see below, those feelings were returned ten-fold in subsequent interviews with the ADs themselves.
This is what Mike Alden had to say about each member of Alden’s Army, as well as their own thoughts on the man who may be the most influential person in recent college athletic administrative history.
Ross Bjork, Athletic Director, Ole Miss
Bjork, who was mentored by Alden during his five years at Missouri, was named one of the top 10 fundraising AD’s at the beginning of the year. This is his second AD position after previously leading the way at Western Kentucky. After years of mediocrity within the SEC, Bjork has completely revitalized Ole Miss Athletics. He is the youngest AD at a Power 5 institution, and can be expected to continue his success for many years to come thanks to Alden’s mentorship. When discussing his most high profile protegee, Alden’s comments couldn’t be more complementary.
“I’m so impressed with the way Ross approaches things. He never gets too high or too low. He has an extreme work ethic and a high intellect, I mean high intellect! It’s those kind of things that have made him one of the best young and up-and-coming ADs in the country, and he’s certainly doing good things at Ole Miss right now.”
Here’s what Bjork told us on his experience working for Mike.
“I was so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when Mike Alden arrived at Missouri in 1998. His vision, energy, work ethic, confidence and modern day approach to running an intercollegiate athletics program was inspiring to all of us who worked alongside Mike. He had a unique ability to push you to work as hard as possible while at the same time finding a way to make you believe it was part of a bigger purpose. His core values taught all of us that athletics must be kept in perspective on a college campus, and if operated correctly, the value of what we do can be immeasurable.
“On a personal level, Mike was always there to encourage professional development and gave me “in the room experiment” at an early stage in my career. I would not be where I am today without Mike allowing me access to high level situations and pushing me to the next level during our time together. To come full circle and be around the same SEC AD table with him has been very gratifying and humbling. Although he is going to do something he loves, I am sad he will not be in college athletics moving forward. Mike is a friend, and I am eternally indebted to him.”
Whit Babcock, Athletic Director, Virginia Tech
Like Bjork, Babcock is currently in his second Athletic Director seat at Virginia Tech. He previously served as Director of Athletics at the University of Cincinnati. Babcock worked for Alden as the Executive Associate Director of Athletics at Missouri from 2007-2011. Before his time with the Tigers, he had been a rising star in college athletics; it took just a few years with Alden to help ready him for the AD seat.
“When we recruited Whit out of West Virginia, the majority of his experience was on the external side, just tremendous skill sets there, but when he came to Mizzou, we really wanted to broaden those experiences so he could be significantly well rounded. He’s a guy that shows tremendous initiative, he’s very thoughtful in the way that he approaches things. He’s extremely well-rounded in his approach. His experience at Cincinnati and now Virginia Tech are showcasing the depth of talents he has, not only in the ACC, but nationally.”
Despite this high praise, Babcock still cites his time with Alden as the major contributor to his success.
“I worked for Mike for nearly five years and learned more from Mike in those five years than the 15 years of my career prior, combined. There is very little to no chance I would be the athletic director at Virginia Tech, or Cincinnati before, if it weren’t for Mike. His willingness and desire to provide ‘career development’ and to bring me into the room on nearly every aspect of the athletic department at Missouri was invaluable. I will always be grateful to him.
“He pushed me to exceed and “over-deliver”, he demanded a tremendous amount from all of us that worked for him, he taught me the breadth and complexity of running a major division 1 athletic department. I have a lot of respect for Mike. He has a great family. He will be missed from our industry but he certainly made his mark on our industry, and he certainly left a positive and lasting legacy at the University of Missouri.”
Mario Moccia, Athletic Director, NMSU
Currently just over 100 days in his second Athletic Director role, Moccia previously served as the Southern Illinois Athletic Director for nine years. He worked for Alden for eight years at Missouri as the Associate AD for External, two years at Texas State in the same capacity, and four years at New Mexico as Director of Sales for the Lobo Club. If there is one thing clear after speaking with Alden, it’s that he, and his wife, believe in Moccia.
“Mario is very very close with Rockie (Mrs. Alden) and I. When he came on board and New Mexixo. He literally had little to no experience in college athletics except when he was a student-athlete at New Mexico State as a baseball player. I got to tell you, his work ethic is extreme! He has a high motor. M-O-T-O-R. High motor. He’s a very grass roots, very direct guy. He will be able to attack any issue he goes into and be successful. He’s a guy I spent the majority of time with over the course of New Mexico, Texas State, and also Mizzou. I am glad he’s back at his alma matter, New Mexico State. If there’s anyone to get it done there, its Mario.”
The many years of working under Alden helped Moccia progress the SIU athletic department, and now he looks to do the same currently at his alma mater.
“I had the privilege to work for Mike for 13 years, the longest of any other AD on this list may I add! Mike taught all of us there was a fundamental way of doing things. If you look at everyone in this tree, each athletic director operates with a philosophy stemming from his teachings. This is the biggest testament to his legacy!”
Brian Wickstrom, Athletic Director, ULM
Another one of our Top 10 fundraising AD’s, Wickstrom is also currently in his second AD position. He previously served as the AD at UC Riverside. Wickstrom acquired his fundraising knowledge during his time at Missouri, where he was a part of the team that raised money for a new football press box, basketball arena, and other facility improvements. Wickstrom’s name has been mentioned in many AD searches, so look for him to join Bjork and Babcock as the next Power 5 AD from the Alden Tree.
“Here’s a guy that was a track and field athlete at Kansas State. 400 meter guy. 800 meter guy. He had a lot of passion in college athletics. When he first came out, he went into the private sector on the financial side of things. When he and I started working together, his desire to improve and grow everyday was apparent. You know the one thing about Brian, he’s a sponge, right! He’s going to be able to draw information. He has a really good filter, and he’s very driven.
“After he left us, he went to Santa Clara, Michigan, and UTEP. He gets his first AD job at UC Riverside, and now ULM. None of that surprises me! He’s a guy that’s very driven. For him the sky’s the limit. he’s doing a great job at ULM. Certainly they’re fortunate to have him, and there will be other schools that are interested in him as well.”
Clearly the appreciation between Alden and Wickstrom is mutual.
“Mike gave me my first full-time job in intercollegiate athletics. I was lucky to be a part of Mike’s initial staff at Missouri, and to be a part of transforming the University of Missouri’s Athletics Department from the bottom of the conference to competing for championships on a regular basis. Mike always taught us to outwork the competition and in the end, I believe that is how Mike took Missouri to the SEC. Mike liberally gave out responsibility and tried to be inclusive in all phases of the operation.
“On a personal note, Mike has been a great friend and mentor to me. It didn’t matter how busy he was, he always made time to return my calls, give advice and answer an unlimited number of questions. Mike invited the staff to the farm and it showed how down-to-earth he was as a caring person. I know I will always be able to reach Mike when things come up but it is still hard for me to imagine Mike not being a top leader in this industry.”
Larry Teis, Athletic Director, Texas State
Teis has worked at Texas State for the majority of his career, with the last eleven being as the Athletic Director. Teis worked under Alden at New Mexico as the Assistant Director of the Lobo Club. Texas State has seen a complete transformation under Teis as they made the jump to FBS, and Bobcat fans can thank Alden for the early lessons in Teis’s career.
“He was one of the very first guys I hired at New Mexico. There was a whole crew there, Larry Teis, Darren Dun, Mario Moccia, and Doug Gillin included. Larry has a great ability to connect with donors, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. He is a no-nonsense guy, very blunt, very direct, consistent, and honest. He has high integrity. You combine good communication skills with a guy that’s very blunt, direct, and has high integrity and that combination pays dividends. Texas State is reaping the benefits from that.”
Teis had equally glowing remarks about Alden.
“Mike has not only been a great mentor but also a great friend. He hired me for my first full time job when I was pursuing my doctorate degree at the university of New Mexico. It was a lot of hard hours for very little pay, but they were the hours that taught me how to be successful in college athletics. Little did I know mikes first full time athletic directors job but be at the same place my first full time job was, southwest texas state.
“I tell people mike literally took the shirt off his back for me. When I was struggling, he took me to his house, opened his closest, and took six nice starched dressed shirts off the rack and gave them to me. That is a boss/friend that cared and wanted the best for everyone that was taught in the ‘Alden Athletic Director Training Academy!'”
Doug Gillin, Athletic Director, Appalachian State
The former IMG Executive Vice President made the right choice in 2012 by becoming the right-hand man of Alden at Missouri. After spending twelve years with IMG, it was clear that to become an AD, he needed to get into an athletic department. In just under three years, Gillin successfully positioned himself as the new Athletic Director at Appalachian State. Although his time with Alden was short, there are still high expectations for Gillin with his new program.
“We started working together at New Mexico, then Mizzou, Learfield and IMG. He has a tremendous business sence and entrepreneurial mind. He’s always looking at ways to create revenue and exposure, which I think he gets from his time at IMG, but I think also a lot of that has to do with the way hes wired. He’s very corporate, extremely professional. He’s experienced going through a conference change from his time at Mizzou which will be a value added component for App State as they’re now in the Sun Belt Conference. With Charlie Cobb moving on to Georgia State, it was important for App State to keep the ball rolling, and Doug is the guy to do it.”
Here are some of Gillin’s thoughts on Alden.
“I worked for Mike Alden twice, once at the university of New Mexico and then at Mizzou. He taught me the value of hard work, doing more with less. He also instilled in us the need to be inclusive and collaborative with all universities and other constituents. Be thoughtful in any decision making process, and always gather all the information before making decisions.”
Lee Reed, Athletic Director, Georgetown
Reed is another member of Alden’s Army who is on his second AD position. Reed has served as the Georgetown head man since April 2010, and he spent eight years as the Director of Athletics at Cleveland State. Reed worked under Alden while completing his Master’s at New Mexico. He was recently selected as the 3rd Vice President for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, which puts him in line to serve as a future NACDA President, a position Alden once held.
“You want to talk about a guy that is unbelievably thoughtful and consistent with the way he approaches his job. His integrity is at the highest level which evidedent from experiences he’s had at New Mexico, NACDA, Cleveland State, and now Georgetown. He is student-athlete centered, there is no question. He is focused on his athletes. He is very much a servant leader to his student-athletes, donors, faculty, and staff. He is seen from a national perspective as being a leading voice on a lot of national issues.”
Needless to say, Reed’s comments on Alden not only mirrored what I had been told by others, but built upon them.
“From the day I met Mike Alden in the early 90s at UNM, he always impressed me as guy who was destined for greatness. He exuded confidence, knowledge and passion for our profession but he was also someone willing to take time to help others become successful.
“I’ve learned more from Mike indirectly than anyone else I’ve ever been around. His professionalism and work ethic were my example of what an athletics administrator was supposed to be. I am extremely proud of my association with Mike Alden and proud to have him as a mentor, role model and friend. Our business will miss him and his wife and equal Rockie.
“Mike was unique in that he was a combination of old school work ethic — never let anyone out work you — and a visionary who stayed on the cutting edge of best practices in our business. The things we were doing in the early 90s at UNM were. in my opinion, ahead of our time. That’s why he has had so many of his former staff go on to be outstanding leaders in our profession.”
Mark Allnutt, Athletic Director, Southeast Missouri
Alnutt’s path to the AD seat is a testament to Alden’s ability to develop leaders. The former Missouri football player started as the Director of Football Operations in 2000. As Alden recognized his potential, he helped mentor Alnutt all the way to Senior Associate Athletic Director of Administration. In 2012, Alnutt was awarded the AD position at Southeast Missouri.
“When Mark and I first [started] working together, he was an assistant video coordinator for football when I got to Mizzou at 1998. He was a former college football player from Kansas. He told me he didn’t really want to go the coaching route. Gary Pinkel named him his Director of Football Operations, but I told Gary, this a guy I have my eye on because he has a tremendous skill set in our industry. Mark is extremely coachable and he has a high retention factor. He rose quickly with us. Great family guy, great father, and a strong moral compass.”
Here are some of Alnutt’s thoughts on Alden.
“I’m very appreciative to have had the opportunity to work with Mike Alden. He was more than just a co-worker as he is a friend and a mentor. He helped prepare me for my role as Director of Athletics here at Southeast Missouri State University. Professional development, expanding my role within the department and understanding the importance of establishing relationships and support through grass roots efforts are key areas that I learned from Mike.
“He definitely embodied servant leadership and I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to work with him. I wish him, Rockie and Jake the best in the next chapter of their lives.”
Peter Fields, Athletic Director, Montana State
Fields has become a staple for Montana State Athletics as he has served the past 13 years as the Director of Athletics. Fields spent four years at Missouri as Associate AD under Alden. Those four years were enough to prepare him for a very successful stint at Montana State, with only a few years left to match Alden’s 17 years as AD at one institution.
“When they hired Peter at Montana State, they had to hire someone with tremendous business sense on whats going on in college athletics. His time at Mizzou overpreparred him for the job at Montana State, not only on the financial side but on the broadbase for what an athletic director has to do. He is very analytical, strategic and balanced. He and I have served on a number of committees together at the NCAA, and he is seen as a national figure, particularly in the FCS. Incredibly professional.”
And while Fields’ comments on Alden were short, they were not without praise.
“I can sum up what I learned from Mike in three simple statements, take responsibility, be accountable, and always be professional!”
Darren Dunn, Athletic Director, Northern Colorado
Dunn was lucky enough to work with Alden at New Mexico in the marketing and development offices. In December 2013, Dunn earned his shot and accepted the Director of Athletics position at the University of Northern Colorado. You can surely expect Northern Colorado to climb up the Big Sky charts as he implements some of the teachings of Alden.
“Darren and I began working together in 1992. He was a part of that crew that we had hired initially at New Mexico. He has a quiet confidence, a selfless type of approach, the way he identifies with his leadership. He has great presence and is extremely approachable. The thing in our business is many times, because of the responsibility that comes with an AD position, there’s a risk of the position defining you more than who you are as a person. Darren has not let the position define who he is as a person. He is selfless, approachable and has strong leadership skills.”
Alden praised Dunn for his leadership skills, but Dunn gives all the credit to his coach.
“I have been fortunate to work with several great athletic administrators so far in my career, but Mike Alden was my first real mentor who pointed me in the right direction and was always there for support, both professionally and personally. Mike was outstanding from an external standpoint and he brought a tremendous business sense to intercollegiate athletics. He was like the coach for Alden’s Army, pushing us to be our best and always paying attention to the details…always!”
Dan Hauser, Athletic Director, Highpoint University
Hauser shows that you never know who you will get to work with or for in the world of college athletics. He was an intern at New Mexico during Alden’s time there, and is now one of the newest members of Alden’s AD tree. Approaching his one year anniversary as the High Point head man, Hauser will be able to run his own “show” and use some of the leadership abilities he learned from Alden in the beginning of his career.
Quote from Alden on Hauser.
“Dan has a creative mind. He will evolve tremendously because of how creative he is. He is incredibly passionate. A key thing in this industry Ryan is passion, and if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, you’ll struggle in this industry. Dan combines passion and creativity in his work, people will feed off of that. Another guy that has a very bright future.”
In his response, Hauser lauded Alden for the leadership skills that have put so many of his protegees on the path to success.
“Mike Alden blazed a trail of transformative success his entire athletic administrative career. Mike had the ability to create an innovative and exciting vision that inspired his staff to follow…….the true measure of an outstanding leader. I admire Mike as the quintessential business executive in collegiate athletics and for the passion he brought every day to impact the lives of student-athletes.”
Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Athletic Director, Drake University
Clubb is in her eighth year as AD at Drake University, and was named a NACDA/Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year in 2014. She was recruited to Arizona State by Alden in the early 90s, and served the Sun Devils in various roles for 16 years. Here is Alden on Clubb.
“Many years ago we recruited Sandy out of Washington & Lee to come to work for us at Arizona State. She has the ability to develop comprehensive plans, inclusively. She is tenacious in her approach on things, very professional. She is extremely smart, very smart! It’s been incredible to be able to watch how she’s been able to balance things at Drake, raising the profile of that program while also being and incredible mother, wife, and colleague.”
Similar to previous comments, Clubb had nothing but wonderful things to say about Alden.
“Mike Alden was the perfect first boss. He set high expectations, empowered me to do my work, and held me accountable. I learned from Mike that achieving excellence is standard operating procedure and that a strong work ethic pays off. These lessons have stuck and have served me well throughout my career.”
Mark Ingram, Athletic Director, UAB
The latest addition to the Alden Tree, Mark Ingram, may also face the biggest challenge. Ingram takes on the responsibility of restoring faith in the UAB athletic program after its controversial disbanding of the football, bowling, and rifle programs. But Alden doesn’t seem concerned.
“Mark has all the tools necessary to become a great leader for that university. He’s passionate about education, very grounded in his faith and family, and builds strong personal relationships with students, coaches, staff, faculty and fans. He’s got great values.”
And it appears Ingram saw in Alden what he hopes to be able to accomplish himself as he fights his uphill battle.
“Mike Alden has an amazing way of connecting everyone in the department with its top priorities. He wants everyone to be engaged and feel a part of the team. He wants you to feel and take ownership in what is happening so that you operate with a sense of pride and confidence. He’s a tremendous leader and continues to be a great mentor to everyone who has worked with and for him.”
It will be interesting to see which one, if not many, of these individuals begins to take after Alden and develops a new section of the tree. But just because Alden is resigning, doesn’t mean there can’t be future administrators who can add to his tally.
Although he shared his wisdom freely, at the end of the day, it will be difficult for anyone to replicate Alden’s success. Primarily because that success can’t be measured by what he did behind a desk, but by the countless lives he’s directly and indirectly touched through his mentorship.
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