Mike Koontz Promoted to MMA Deputy Director for Admissions

Michael “Mike” Koontz has been promoted to Missouri Military Academy deputy director for admissions. In this role, he supports the director of admissions in leading the admissions team in recruiting cadets for MMA.

“Mike is a valued team member and leader,” says MMA President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret). “Through his hard work, mission focus, and success mentoring and recruiting cadets, this promotion is well deserved and enhances our ability to accomplish our mission. We can always count on Mike's thoughtful interaction with parents and cadets, and his valuable advice and suggestions for the staff and faculty.”

Koontz helps identify and evaluate applicants — young men in grades 7-12, from the United States and worldwide — to determine if they would be a good fit for the Academy.

“When I head to work, I tell people that I’m off to look after my other 200+ sons,” says Koontz, who has eight years of experience at MMA, working in both the commandant division (residential life) and admissions. “I used to be one of the ‘dads’ of the barracks. Now, I assist families with bringing their sons to MMA, and I’m honored to help.”

Koontz works closely with families regarding admissions requirements and answers questions about life at MMA and financial aid. He has been instrumental in the success and development of MMA cadets since 2015.  

“I believe it’s important for all of us at MMA to lead each cadet with structure and discipline to make sure that they know they are loved each and every step of the way,” he says.

Koontz served as an MMA senior admissions counselor for nearly six years before his promotion to deputy director. He also worked as a company leadership advisor for cadets for two years. He holds a bachelor’s degree of fine arts degree in fine arts/commercial art from the University of Central Missouri and an associate degree from Metropolitan Community College - Longview.

Koontz’s family has a long history with the Academy. His father-in-law COL Bob Piper '47 was an MMA graduate and worked at the Academy for over 40 years, and COL Piper's father George Piper worked at MMA for 32 years. Koontz's mother-in-law Patricia Piper and brother-in-law Greg Piper also worked at the MMA.

“I guess you can say that I ‘married into’ a rich history of MMA,” he says.

Koontz is a Kansas City native and a KC Royals fan. He and his wife, Sharon, have three children. WWhen he is not on campus, Koontz is often found working on their commercial building on the square which is not only their residence but also is where his wife’s business Color Me Bleu Studio and Coffee Shop is located.