SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats officially announced Monday the promotion of Jordan Fife to director of track and field and cross country for the Bears and head coach of MSU's indoor and outdoor track and field programs.

Fife, who has been Missouri State's head cross country coach since 2014, was named interim head coach of the track and field programs in July of 2018. Monday's announcement makes him the seventh head coach in the history of the MSU women's track program, which began in 1969.

"We are very excited to advance Jordan to director and head coach of our programs," said Director of Athletics "He has done a fantastic job as interim head coach for the past year, and has earned this opportunity."

Fife noted he was ecstatic for the new opportunity.

"I am grateful to Kyle Moats and (senior associate AD) Casey Hunt for having the confidence in me to continue to lead this program," said Fife. "We took the first steps this past season to building something special here at Missouri State, and I'm fortunate for the opportunity to further that process."

Likewise, assistant coach Carmelita Jeter was promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach of the track and field teams. Jeter will continue to serve as Fife's top assistant and will primarily focus on the program's sprinters and hurdlers in her expanded day-to-day duties.

Jeter, dubbed the "Fastest Woman Alive," is a three-time Olympic medalist who holds three of the top 10 fastest times ever run in the women's 100-meter dash. She joined Fife's staff as assistant coach on Sept. 5, 2018.

"Coach Jeter has played an vital role in helping to define the type of student-athlete we wish to recruit to our team, as well as in leading the charge for being able to provide more opportunities and a better student-athlete experience for our program," said Fife.   

During the 2018-19 school year, the Bears finished sixth at the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor meet and fifth at the MVC Outdoor Championship.

The new assignments for the track and field coaches in contingent upon final approval by the Missouri State University Board of Governors at its next scheduled meeting.