Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden [released a letter](http://www.mutigers.com/genrel/012915aab.html) on MUTigers.com on Thursday announcing that he will be stepping down from his position Aug. 31. Alden and his staff had a meeting Thursday to discuss the move, with Alden saying in the letter that “it is time for a change.”
Alden will not be leaving the university entirely, as he will transition into Mizzou’s College of Education to help the school launch its Positive Coaching Program and higher education leadership courses. Alden will also be heading the new Center for Global Service Learning Leadership.
Mizzou Athletics will now be in the market for a new athletic director for the first time in 17 years, with no replacement being immediately named.