MISD announces Rusty Purser as its next Athletic Director

Purser will transition into the role at the end of June

At the February 17, 2026 school board meeting, the Midlothian ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Rusty Purser to serve as Athletic Director. Purser joined MISD in 2023 as the Assistant Athletic Director. He brings 26 years of experience as an educator and 20 years as an athletic administrator, including four years as an AD in Greenwood ISD, to the role.

District leadership emphasized the value of continuity and proven leadership in selecting Purser for the role after conducting a comprehensive search process. “Coach Purser brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of who we are as a district,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. David Belding. “He knows our students, our coaches, our community and our system. During his three year tenure with the district, Rusty has already played an important role in the success of our programs and his vision for future success builds on that strong foundation. We are confident that under his leadership MISD will continue to reach even greater heights.”

Purser shared his excitement for his next chapter. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to step into the role of Athletic Director for Midlothian ISD after serving the past three years as the district’s Assistant Athletic Director,” said Purser. “Midlothian has a proud tradition of excellence in athletics, and I am excited to continue supporting a community that values student success, school pride, and strong character development.”

As a family who has a lineage in education, inspiring excellence is a focus in the Purser household. His father, Bob Purser, was a longtime Athletic Director and head coach, and the field at Greenwood's J.M. King Memorial Stadium is named in honor of his parents. 

“I look forward to working alongside our outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and campus leadership as we continue building programs rooted in integrity, teamwork, and high expectations,” said Purser. “My vision is to ensure that every student-athlete in Midlothian ISD has the opportunity to grow both competitively and personally while representing their schools and community with pride. Just as importantly, I am committed to strengthening unity across all campuses and athletic programs so that we move forward together as one MISD team.”

Before joining Midlothian ISD, Purser served as the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach in Greenwood ISD in the Midland area. During his tenure in Greenwood, he led the Rangers to a 30–16 record, including a trip to the Class 4A Division II semifinals in 2019. Purser also spent seven seasons as the Head Football Coach in Taylor ISD, leading the Ducks to seven consecutive playoff appearances and two bi-district titles, and held coaching positions in Borger ISD, Floydada ISD, Midland Lee HS and Alice HS. 

Purser added, “I am truly thankful for the trust that has been placed in me, and I am eager to work alongside our staff, families, and community as we continue moving MISD athletics forward together.”

Purser holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Kinesiology from Texas Tech University where he was a 4 year track and field letterman, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Phoenix. He will transition into the AD role at the end of June.