Greg Byrne was named Mississippi State’s new athletic director, after the state Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees sanctioned his hiring during an executive session on Thursday.Byrne’s hiring was announced to the university via press release Thursday afternoon.
Byrne, 36, associate athletic director for development and external affairs, replaces Larry Templeton, who has served since 1987. Templeton’s contract, which expires June 30, was not renewed.
According to the press release, MSU President Robert “Doc” Foglesong said that Byrne’s appointment would begin no later than July 1.
“They took several months and gave me a list of who they thought were best qualified for the position and I interviewed each of them,” Foglesong said. He said he interviewed between five and 10 applicants for the position.
Foglesong said Byrne has a deep background in intercollegiate athletics and brought him a plan for the athletic department.
“Greg Byrne brought me a strategic plan for taking us to the next level,” he said. “I think Greg Byrne is the perfect person to stand on Larry Templeton’s legacy and move us forward.”
Foglesong said the athletic department is an integral part of the university because it creates energy and enthusiasm. He said it gives national exposure and serves as a front door to the university.
He runs the Bulldog Club, a private foundation that helps sustain MSU athletics.
He was raised in in an athletic environment, as his father, Bill Byrne, is the athletic director at Texas A&M.
Byrne has spent more than 15 years in intercollegiate athletics. Prior to working at MSU, Byrne had fundraising experience at the University of Kentucky and Oregon State University.
Byrne obtained his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and is expected to receive his master’s degree from MSU by the end of 2008.
The search process lasted from approximately mid-August to mid-February, said director of university relations Maridith Geuder.
Vance Watson, head of the search committee, was out of town and could not be reached for comment.
Mike Nemeth, associate athletic director for media relations, said Foglesong put together a committee to review the candidates. He said Foglesong handled the interview process and selection separately.
Candidates could apply or could be nominated for the position.
“Ultimately he [Foglesong] made the choice as to who would be the athletic director,” he said.
Nemeth said Byrne’s fundraising expertise will be an asset to the athletic department. In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Byrne said it was an honor to follow in his father’s footsteps as an athletic director.
“I feel very fortunate, humbled and blessed. I appreciate the opportunity,” Byrne said.
Byrne said his past athletic experience would aid him in his new position. He said that his job at Kentucky gave him opportunities to build relationships in the Southeastern Conference and called Oregon a “mirror institution of MSU.”
Byrne said some of his challenges as director include balancing the budget, staying off probation and maximizing revenue strength. He said he seeks to spend proper time with coaches, athletes, staff and the MSU fan base.
Byrne said one of his goals includes growing the $28 million budget by a solid season ticket base, maximizing revenue, fundraising, conference revenue and enhancing the stadium.
“We’re going to be first class in how we represent Mississippi and the university,” Byrne said.