Longtime MSU leader Keith Boaz dies

Last edited 1:03 p.m., Aug. 15, 2025 [Editor's note: Additional informatin has been included.]

Keith Boaz, a Missouri State University employee for more than two decades who oversaw the school’s athletic and entertainment facilities, died Aug. 6. He was 46, according to his obituary posted by Greenlawn Funeral Home.

“The Missouri State University community is saddened by the loss of Keith Boaz,” MSU officials said in a statement provided to Springfield Business Journal Aug. 7. “We are communicating with his family during this difficult time.”

As executive director of athletic and entertainment facilities at MSU, Boaz oversaw Great Southern Bank Arena, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Plaster Stadium, Hammons Student Center and the Betty & Bobby Allison Stadium. Boaz started with MSU in 2003 as assistant director of athletics development and marketing and assistant director of Hammons Student Center/Plaster Sports Complex, according to the university website.

Hammons Hall memorialized Boaz in an Aug. 7 Facebook post.

“Keith was a beloved member of our campus community who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the post reads. “Throughout his tenure with us, Keith was not only dedicated to his professional responsibilities but was also deeply involved in campus life and our broader community. His commitment extended far beyond his official duties, and his positive impact was felt across our institution.”

At MSU, Boaz led efforts to bring Broadway musicals such as “Wicked” and “Hamilton” to Hammons Hall, according to past SBJ reporting.

“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 SBJ in 2016, when “Wicked” sold 97% of available seats at the MSU venue.

A 2002 graduate of MSU, Boaz served as assistant director of operations at Jordan Valley Ice Park before joining the university staff, according to his bio page.

The Greenlawn Funeral Home obituary notes that Boaz was born on Oct. 2, 1978, to Ron and Judy Boaz.

He died “suddenly” on Aug. 6, the obituary states. He is survived by his wife, Bethany, who he met when they were both student workers at Hammons Student Center, as well as his children, Averie and Brady.

“Keith spent the last 18 years devoted to his children,” says his obituary. “The pride he had when anyone in his family achieved something was unmatched.”

Boaz is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, according to his obituary.

“One of Keith’s passions was MSU,” Boaz’s obituary also notes. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began working there as a teen.

According to his obituary, Boaz’s family asked supporters to consider donating to the Keith Boaz Memorial Scholarship Fund for Springfield Little Theatre in lieu of flowers.

“Because his children were passionate about the theatre, he also became passionate for it,” his obituary states. “A scholarship to help other kids follow their passions in the arts is exactly what Keith would have wanted.”

The MSU community celebrated Boaz’s life with a memorial service held Aug. 12 on campus. Funeral services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home, according to the obituary.

“Keith loved Metallica, driving fast and singing the words to songs incorrectly to annoy his wife,” his obituary reads. “Above all, he loved and supported his family.”

Deputy Editor Gregory Holman contributed to this reporting.