On January 13, 2023, Mississippi State University introduced Zac Selmon as its 18th director of Athletics, taking over after John Cohen departed for Auburn University. Selmon, formerly the deputy athletic director at the University of Oklahoma, entered his first role as the head of a department during an era of significant change in college sports.
The rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) policies and evolving NCAA transfer portal rules have completely reshaped the landscape of college athletics since Selmon’s start, with NIL now evolving into revenue sharing for athletic departments. Mississippi State has faced its own challenges during Selmon’s tenure.
Over the last two years, the Bulldogs have faced two new head football coaches, a constant need for fundraising and the pressure to keep up with the rest of the SEC. Yet, despite those trials, Selmon has embraced the role with confidence and made significant strides. In the last year, the Bulldogs celebrated their first SEC championship in soccer, the women’s golf team captured its first-ever SEC Tournament championship and men’s tennis remained a national powerhouse. Meanwhile, head coach Chris Jans and the men’s basketball program earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and most programs across campus remained competitive.
Reflecting on these accomplishments and the road ahead, Selmon shared his vision in a recent release on the Mississippi State Athletics website.
“When we arrived two years ago, we knew we not only needed to meet the challenges that were coming but also to position State to seize every opportunity out there,” Selmon said. “Through energy, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, we want to make Mississippi State the destination for student-athletes who insist upon going after SEC and National Championships. To be the best we have to plan to be the best and demand nothing less. Starkville is a place where these kinds of dreams can come true.”
While celebrating the progress made so far, Selmon also unveiled an ambitious vision for the future. Earlier last week, he announced that Davis Wade Stadium will receive new LED lighting by the 2025 season, enhancing the game-day experience for fans. This upgrade is part of a larger, 145-page master plan that outlines transformative facility projects across campus. Selmon and his team, in partnership with architecture firm HOK, aim to complete these plans over the next decade, although no definitive timetable has been set.
For Selmon, investing in facilities and infrastructure is not just about keeping pace with the SEC but about setting a standard of excellence that defines the university’s athletic programs.
“In addition to revenue sharing and increased benefits for student-athletes, we must continue to be strategic and precise in how we approach facility enhancements,” Selmon said. “If we neglect vital investments in our facilities and infrastructure, we negatively impact our future. We must satisfy the essentials needed today while positioning Mississippi State Athletics for success for a long time to come. Our bold long-term vision will elevate the student-athlete journey, our fan experience and continue to showcase why MSU is a premier destination.”
Here is a brief overview of what is to be expected.
Davis Wade Stadium
Among the most notable upgrades in the master plan is a significant overhaul of Davis Wade Stadium, the nation’s second-oldest football stadium. The south end zone is set to be completely revamped, featuring a field-level terrace, an updated home locker room, suite-style seating and even loft apartments. The West Side will see the lower bowl replaced, stadium expansion into B.S. Hood Road and upgraded club-level amenities, while the East Side will receive a new concourse, social spaces in the upper deck and a relocated press area. These changes aim to modernize the fan experience while maintaining the stadium’s historic charm. The plan also includes a new recruiting area that is to be used for all sports.
Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex
Other facilities will also see major improvements. The Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex plans include building an indoor practice facility on the existing turf field, along with upgrades such as a players’ lounge, new position rooms, expanded offices and a recovery area.
Dudy Noble Field
Dudy Noble Field, already considered a “world-class” baseball facility, will add new suites, an outfield restaurant open year-round and additional enhancements to accommodate the growing popularity of MSU baseball. The program that has set 24 out of the 25 college baseball attendance records and currently holds the top one.
Humphrey Coliseum and Mize Pavilion
The Humphrey Coliseum is set for sound and video system upgrades, a re-evaluation of the student section location and enhancements to the connected Mize Pavilion, which will feature new training areas, a recruiting lounge and premium club space.
Additional upgrades are also planned for the soccer field, softball facilities at Nusz Park and volleyball facilities in the Newell-Grissom Building.
Fundraising will be critical to making these projects a reality, but Selmon has already proven capable of rallying support. In December, the department secured over 40 major gifts, nearing its annual average of 60, and just last Friday, a $2 million donation from Bo and Nikki McKinnis was announced to further boost the State Excellence Fund. These investments, paired with Selmon’s forward-thinking leadership, lay a solid foundation for Mississippi State Athletics to thrive in the years to come. The hire from mid-January 2023 is currently proving to be worth his weight in gold.
