Kirksville, Mo. – A familiar face within Truman Athletics is stepping into a new leadership role. Geoff Bruder, who has served as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Success since 2022, has been promoted to Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Student-Athlete Services, Director of Athletics Signe Coombs announced this week.
In his new role, Bruder will continue to guide the department's NCAA, GLVC, and institutional compliance efforts while expanding his oversight of student-athlete services. He will also serve as a sport administrator for select teams, build engagement and service opportunities with campus and community partners, and streamline processes to further support student-athlete and staff development.
"I would like to thank AD Signe Coombs for this new opportunity," Bruder said. "My family and I have felt nothing but great support from her and our entire Athletics staff and campus community since starting here a few years ago. I look forward to building on this and continuing to provide our student-athletes with the best experience possible."
Since joining the Bulldogs in October 2022, Bruder has played a pivotal role in compliance and academic support operations, from eligibility and financial aid to NCAA reporting and educational programming for student-athletes and coaches. He has also served as advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and worked closely with campus partners to enhance the overall student-athlete experience.
Coombs highlighted his commitment and leadership. "Geoff is incredibly dedicated to providing a transformational student-athlete experience and appreciates the role athletics plays within the University and community," she said. "He has stepped up to fill gaps since my arrival and demonstrated unwavering commitment to our department, campus, and community. I look forward to his continued development and impact on Bulldog Athletics as we look to advance our strategic vision and mission of Truman Athletics."
Bruder's path to Truman included time as Operations Manager at the Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina, Kansas, and an athletics compliance internship at the University of Northern Iowa, where he also earned his bachelor's degree in Movement and Exercise Science/Sport Psychology in 2019. He went on to complete a master's in Sport Management from the University of Iowa in 2020.
He and his wife, Kenzie, were married in 2024 and live in Kirksville with their dog, Charlie and their daughter, Elliana.
