The UM System President describes Mizzou’s 22nd athletic director as a proven leader with the vision they need to achieve their championship goals.
UM System President Dr. Mun Choi spoke at Friday’s press conference in Columbia, where Laird Veatch was formally introduced. President Choi also praises the UM Board of Curators, saying they wanted to take their time to find the right person.
“We have an athletics director that we can all be very proud (of). So this is for the student-athletes that are here, the coaches, the athletics department staff and all of the fans,” President Choi says.
President Choi describes Mr. Veatch as a perfect fit for Mizzou. Veatch has served as the athletic director for the University of Memphis since 2019. He oversaw multiple facility projects and renovations there, including an indoor football facility and a new tennis center.
Mr. Veatch begins his new job in Columbia on Wednesday and describes his hiring as a dream come true. Mr. Veatch spent five years at Mizzou from 1997-2002 and also served as the general manager for Mizzou Sports Properties from 2003-2006. He says he’s grateful for the opportunity.
“This is not only a homecoming for my wife Brandy and I but we are so fortunate to be here now. This Mizzou momentum thing is very real and I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Veatch says.
The UM Board of Curators approved a $250-million improvement project for Mizzou’s Memorial Stadium earlier this month, saying it will preserve the stadium’s tradition-rich elements while embracing a vibrant future.
