COLUMBIA, MO. - Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades has recruited Wren Baker to join his leadership team at Mizzou, as announced today. Baker -- one-time Athletic Director at Northwest Missouri State -- has agreed to become Rhoades' Deputy Director of Athletics (for External Relations), starting officially on Monday, June 8. At Mizzou, Baker will oversee all external relations units, and serve as the sport administrator for the men's basketball program.
Baker, 36, comes to Mizzou from the University of Memphis, where he served as Deputy Director of Athletics/External Affairs from February 2013 to the present. At Memphis, Baker provided an immediate impact as the department secured the single largest gift in its history under his watch, while launching a $40 million capital campaign. In addition, suite sales and multi-media rights revenues set a new record and Memphis' Tiger Scholarship Fund grew in membership and donations all in his first year.
Prior to joining Memphis, Baker was Director of Athletics at Northwest Missouri State, where he directed one of the nation's top Division II athletic programs from February 2011-February 2013. Prior to his time at Northwest, he was the first-ever Director of Athletics at Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla., spending five years overseeing the growth of a start-up department into a very successful comprehensive program.
"We are very excited Wren is becoming a member of our team," said Rhoades. He is regarded as one of the up-and-coming administrators in the nation and has established an impressive track record of success at every stop of his career path. Throughout his career, Wren has demonstrated terrific work ethic, the ability to genuinely connect with people and uncompromising integrity. He is a high-energy person who will provide great passion and leadership for our student-athletes, coaches and staff. We are thrilled Wren, his wife Heather and two daughters, Addisyn and Reagan are joining the Mizzou Athletics family," said Rhoades.
"I am honored to be joining the Mizzou family and am grateful to Mack Rhoades for the opportunity," said Baker. "The University of Missouri has a tremendous reputation and Mack is considered one of the best and brightest leaders in collegiate athletics. Our family is looking forward to returning to the "Show-Me State" and joining Mack's team as we build on a proud and prestigious athletic tradition," he said.
At Northwest Missouri State, Baker led the department to greater operational efficiencies and improved customer service. During his tenure at Northwest, his team secured the largest gift in department history, and increased revenues by an impressive 60 percent during his time there.
From 2006-11, Baker was Director of Athletics at Rogers State, where he was the youngest A.D. in the nation at any four-year university. While at RSU, he was also the first men's basketball coach in school history, and promptly led the Hillcats to a 20-11 record in their first year of competition during the 2006-07 season. After one year as basketball coach, he relinquished those duties to focus on his administrative duties and continue the growth of RSU's overall athletics operation.
Prior to joining Rogers State, Baker became the youngest principal in the state of Oklahoma. At 26, he was named principal and athletic director for Valliant Public Schools in his hometown of Valliant, Oklahoma.
Before entering administration Baker served as a basketball operations assistant in the Oklahoma State University athletic department from 2001 to 2005, coordinating a variety of initiatives under the direction of former head men's basketball coach Eddie Sutton. During his four-year tenure at OSU, the men's basketball team recorded a 102-30 record that included a trip to the Final Four during the 2004 season.
Baker received his bachelor's degree in education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2001 and his master's degree in education leadership from Oklahoma State University in 2003. He and his wife Heather were married in 2005. They have two daughters, Addisyn (4 in July) and Reagan (7 months).
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT WREN BAKER
University of Oklahoma Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione
"I have known Wren Baker for many years throughout his career journey and I can say with total confidence that he is truly one of the rising leaders within intercollegiate athletics. I am a huge fan of Wren and not at all surprised Mack Rhodes identified him, because that's exactly what Mack does when making important hiring decisions....he finds great people. The blend of Wren's background in coaching, administrative experience and character, along with his innate ability to develop positive relationships with all of the key stakeholders within a campus community, will serve him well at Missouri. Wren and his wife, Heather, will be key contributors to the enhancement of the student-athlete experience and in strengthening the entire athletic program. The wonderful people at Mizzou will really enjoy getting to know the Baker family."
University of Memphis Director of Athletics Tom Bowen
"The University of Memphis is indebted to Wren for his work and service. He is an incredibly bright, young star in athletic administration. I want to congratulate Wren, and wish him and his family a wonderful new beginning at the University of Missouri."
University of Memphis Head Football Coach Justin Fuente
"Wren is a terrific administrator and leader. He has been instrumental in what we have been able to accomplish in our football program. He has an incredible work ethic and is driven to achieve excellence. I appreciate what he brought to the athletic department and our program and have no doubts he will be successful in his new role at Missouri."
