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The search for Missouri Valley College’s new athletic leader spanned the country, but ended up right in its own back yard. Marsha Lashley, a 40-year veteran at MVC and a legend in NAIA circles on compliance and eligibility, assumed her new role as vice president this week.

President Joe Parisi made the announcement Wednesday. He said Lashley, currently Missouri Valley’s registrar and faculty athletic rep, “is universally loved and respected” and will lead Missouri Valley Athletics with integrity, character, and a commitment to excellence.

“I have such a high level of confidence in Marsha’s leadership ability,” Parisi said. “She is implicitly trusted, and her advocacy for student-athlete success is unmatched. This is a win for everyone.”

Lashley will be the Vice President of Athletics and Academic Services. She follows Scott Queen, who had been serving as the interim athletic director for eight months. Queen will stay on as associate AD.

Parisi’s announcement was part of an overall athletic department restructuring, with women’s basketball coach Ben Lister being promoted and joining Lashley’s team of assistant ADs. Besides Queen and Lister, those assistant athletic directors include Vladimir Simic (men’s soccer), Stephen Main (golf), John McEachern (transportation), Andy Pulverenti (sports information), Keeley Boss (operations) and Kevin Gasser (roster management).

“I am so very excited and honored,” Lashley said. “My experiences here have given me a comprehensive understanding of MVC, higher education, and athletics. I have complete confidence that together with the assistant ADs and coaches, Missouri Valley College will achieve at an even greater level.”