Missouri State University has named the first three finalists in their search for the Bears’ next athletic director.

Roger Denny of Illinois, Patrick Ransdell of Appalachian State, and Vince Volpe of Arizona State, are three finalists. The school says the three candidates are currently associate or deputy directors at their respective schools and are among 54 applicants for the position. The three will visit Springfield later this month for interviews, as well as a campus community forum. Denny will interview August 12th and 13th, followed by Ransdell on August 16th and 17th, and Volpe on August 19th and 20th.

Search committee chairman Brent Dunn says that Missouri State’s rapid growth and move to the Football Bowl Subdivision next year has made the position attractive. Missouri State hopes to have their new AD in place early in the fall semester. Dunn adds that while it was difficult for the committee to narrow down the search, the initial group of finalists could be expanded if necessary.

Previous athletic director Kyle Moots departed in July after 15 years in the role, to begin a similar role at Eastern Kentucky.