Melissa Ringhausen began her duties on July 13, 2020 after serving as the associate director of athletics at McKendree University. Ringhausen states that she appreciates the academic commitment of S&T's student-athletes and the university's reputation for educational excellence.
"The attitude toward excellence resonates throughout the campus," says Ringhausen. "I am committed to representing the values of Missouri S&T while developing student-athletes and providing a great experience for them. Academics will always be the top priority, but together, we will continue to develop the Missouri S&T brand and compete for championships."
Ringhausen became associate director of athletics at McKendree in 2013, and she previously served the university as head women's basketball coach from 1997 to 2015. In that role, she managed 34 sports and more than 875 student-athletes, represents McKendree in the GLVC and ensures eligibility and compliance with NCAA rules. Ringhausen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Ottawa University in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in education from University of Kansas in 1996.
In her time at Missouri S&T, the Miners have won nine GLVC post-season championships as well as a pair of regular season titles, while 10 teams have qualified for an NCAA regional tournament since 2021. S&T has also had two individual national championship performances during her tenure in men's track & field as well as numerous All-America recipients.
On the academic front, Missouri S&T had a record 17 College Sports Communicators Academic All-America selections in the 2025-26 season, the most of any school in NCAA Division II. During her six years at the helm, Miner student-athletes have accumulated 46 Academic All-America awards and have set records for academic honors from the GLVC.
Ringhausen and her husband, Lance, have one daughter, Lindy. The family resides in Rolla.
