Kyle Moats unveiled as new Athletic Director at Eastern Kentucky

Moats was on the athletics staff at Louisville and Kentucky for several years each

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Kyle Moats is back in the Bluegrass as the new athletic director for Eastern Kentucky University after 15 years in the same role at Missouri State University (MSU).

Moats will also be the school’s new vice president.

“I’m honored to join a program that has long been prioritizing student-athletes, focusing on holistic growth and is supported by a passionate and dedicated fan base. I’m eager to get to work,” said Moats

The veteran athletics administrator of 34 years is no stranger to Kentucky’s college sports scene.

Moats was on staff at the University of Kentucky for 14 years as associate athletics director of marketing and other positions under current Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhardt.

After his time in Lexington, Moats moved west to join the University of Louisville athletics department as associate athletics director of national marketing for four years.

“We’re extremely excited to be back in the Bluegrass. We’ve come back because of family quite often. We’ve always loved Central Kentucky,” said Moats.

From Louisville, Moats moved on the MSU where he says he has fond memories growing sponsorships, the athletics budget and fundraising.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished,” said Moats.

Moats says that he wants to continue doing what brought him success at MSU, especially in the transition to the FBS level for the school’s football team.

EKU has the same aspirations to become an FBS member with its football team.

“The first thing we have to do is find out what the needs are and then you have to prioritize them,” said Moats. “In order to do these things and go where we want to go we’re going to need help (from fans) on the facilities part of it. Budget wise in the FCS, I think Richmond and Springfield are very similar. The fanbase is good at both schools.”

July 1 is the first day on the job for Moats.