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COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois has named Will Kava as the Tigers Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Governance.
Kava, who joins Mizzou from Ole Miss, will serve on Reed-Francois’ senior leadership team and lead the department’s compliance and governance efforts, including overseeing Mizzou’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program, currently called TradeMark.
“We sought a dedicated leader to oversee compliance and governance for our department and Will came to the forefront during our search process,” Reed-Francois said. “His commitment to excellence, preparation within the Southeastern Conference, service mentality and deeply-held dedication to our student-athletes’ experience make him an excellent fit at Mizzou. We look forward to welcoming Will and his family to our Tigers team and the Missouri community.”
“I am tremendously excited to work for and with President Mun Y. Choi and Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois as part of an amazing team of staff members focused on advancing the Department of Athletics and the University as a national academic institution committed to excellence in every aspect,” Kava said. “With a concentration on integrity and accountability, innovation, and a strong work ethic towards providing a championship student-athlete experience, the University of Missouri is living and executing its mission of excellence every day and I am honored to being part of the Tiger community.”
Kava has worked at Ole Miss since 2015, and most recently was the Rebels’ Senior Associate AD for Compliance. As the lead rules interpretative contact at Ole Miss, he oversaw the Rebels’ rules education program. He also coordinated internal and external educational efforts throughout the department. During his time in Oxford, Kava has served as assistant director for compliance, associate director for compliance and assistant AD for compliance before moving to his senior-level role.
Prior to his stint in Oxford, Kava worked at his alma mater, the University of Washington, where he served in the Huskies’ compliance department for two years. He got his professional career started with internship positions at San Diego State and Cal State San Marcos. in 2011 and 2012 respectfully.
A 2008 graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Kava also a juris doctorate with a certificate in sports law and policy from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
A native of Kaneohe, Hawai’i, Kava was an offensive lineman at Washington where he lettered in 2002 and 2006.
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