Keith Boaz Obituary – Cause of Death: Longtime Missouri State University leader Keith Boaz dies suddenly

Keith Boaz Obituary - Cause of Death Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri State University is mourning the loss of longtime staff member Keith Boaz, who dedicated over 20 years to advancing the university’s athletic and entertainment facilities. Boaz, a respected and well-loved figure on campus, served as the executive director overseeing major venues such as Great Southern Bank Arena, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Plaster Stadium, Hammons Student Center, and the Betty & Bobby Allison Stadium.

“The Missouri State University community is saddened by the loss of Keith Boaz,” university officials shared in a statement on Thursday morning. “We are communicating with his family during this difficult time.”

Details surrounding Boaz’s death — including his age and date of passing — have not yet been publicly released. MSU Public Relations Strategist Emily Letterman confirmed that no further information was immediately available. Efforts to contact Boaz’s family were unsuccessful by the time of publication, and an obituary has not yet been posted.

Boaz joined the MSU staff in 2003, beginning his career as assistant director of athletics development and marketing, as well as assistant director of Hammons Student Center/Plaster Sports Complex. A 2002 alumnus of Missouri State, Boaz had previously worked as assistant director of operations at Jordan Valley Ice Park.

Throughout his tenure, Boaz played a pivotal role in elevating the university’s entertainment profile. He was instrumental in bringing major Broadway productions such as Hamilton and Wicked to Springfield through Hammons Hall — efforts that helped put MSU on the national performance map.

“Springfield is not quite such a small twinkle in the eye of New York anymore – we’re starting to get on the radar,” Boaz told the Springfield Business Journal in 2016, following the tremendous success of Wicked, which sold 97% of available seats at the MSU venue.

Boaz’s leadership, vision, and commitment left an indelible mark on Missouri State University and the broader Springfield community. As tributes begin to pour in, colleagues and community members alike are remembering Boaz not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his enduring passion and dedication to the institution he called home for more than two decades.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be shared as they become available.


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