Brandon Lee

Current Role/Title:

Assistant Athletic Director – Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL)

What is something fascinating happening in your industry right now?

The landscape of collegiate athletics is currently in a transformation with student-athletes now having the opportunity to be compensated for their NIL after years of not being able to. Ever since the introduction of NIL back in the summer of 2021, administrative staffs, coaches, and student-athletes have had to adjust to the modern changes of collegiate athletics. Those who have either refused to adjust or have struggled to make the necessary changes to their individual programs have statistically struggled with recruitment of student-athletes and the overall success of their programs recently when it comes to competing with the best of the best. 

This is a fascinating topic that has, in my opinion, changed collegiate athletics for the better and I strongly encourage anyone who is not privy to the subject to indulge when they have the chance. 

How did you end up in your current position?

I was recruited from my previous place of work (University of Notre Dame) where I was working in a similar role. I saw returning to Mizzou in my current role as a great opportunity for me to further contribute to the University that gave me so much and join a great staff that has our student-athlete’s best interest at heart. This is my way of giving back. 

In what ways has your Mizzou education/affiliation impacted your life since graduation? 

Mizzou has affected my life in more ways than I ever could have imagined as an 18-year-old joining the campus back in the spring of 2014. From the moment that I stepped onto campus, I was surrounded by endless support, resources, and opportunities to succeed. Originally wanting to be an orthopedic surgeon, then a financial advisor, and now pursuing a career in collegiate athletics to become a future athletic director, each experience that was provided helped me to decipher what I wanted to pursue for a career. From internships with Krilogy Financial and Edward Jones, committee involvement with the SEC and the NCAA, every opportunity led to growth, connections, and ultimately job opportunities. 

Coming from the inner city of Indianapolis, Mizzou has become a second home for me and has provided lifelong friends, memories, and a lasting impact on my life. 

Why did you choose Mizzou—what makes Mizzou special? Why should someone consider Mizzou?

A few reasons that I chose to come to Mizzou were because of the family atmosphere of the football program that I felt on my visits, to play in the best conference in college sports being the Southeastern Conference, I felt that the program would support me best, and because I wanted to be a part of something special. 

What makes Mizzou special, is its people and the community. The resources and support is here if you take the initiative to seek them. It may be uncomfortable venturing out to meet new people, participating in certain events or class, but the more you put into the institution and people, the more you will get out of them. 

The support and community within the Crosby MBA program specifically made my experience as a graduate student enjoyable and one that I will never forget.

Fondest memories while a student or faculty member here?

My fondest memories while a student at Mizzou were competing as a member of the Mizzou Football team. I had the opportunity to be a part of some special teams, establish some of great friends within the brotherhood, and compete with and against some of the country’s greatest athletes. The highs and lows that we experienced as a program helped shape and mold me into the man I am now, and I am thankful for each and every one of them. 

In your spare time, what do you like to do? 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, shooting photography, working out, golf, cycling, and traveling every chance I get to.