McKenzie named interim athletic director

Duncan McKenzie, Mississippi State senior associate athletic director and chief financial officer, has been named interim athletic director at MSU, effective May 1.

Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum said McKenzie will oversee day-to-day operations until a permanent replacement is in place for outgoing athletic director Greg Byrne. Byrne's last day in Starkville is April 30.

"Duncan is a Bulldog through and through, having been a student athlete at MSU as well as serving 22 years as an administrator in our athletic department. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to provide continuity and manage the wide-ranging issues that must be addressed on a daily basis," Dr. Keenum said.

The process is still on track to name a new athletic director in early May, but Dr. Keenum said it is uncertain when the new hire will be able to assume leadership of the department. "Duncan's experience will be invaluable during this transition period. I appreciate his willingness to step into this role," he said.