Minot State University in North Dakota announced Tuesday that it is eliminating its athletic director position and moving oversight of athletics to the newly expanded position of Vice President of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics.
As reported by the Minot Daily News, current student affairs vice president Kevin Harmon will serve in the expanded role effective immediately, and the university will expand the roles of additional personnel in support of Harmon.
“Kevin had deep and long-standing ties to Minot State University dating back to his days as a Beaver student-athlete, coupled with a distinguished career as a senior administrator on campus,” said Minot State president Steven Shirley in an email to the campus community Tuesday. “He has guided both areas with a steady hand this winter, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Kevin in his new role at MSU.”
Harmon has overseen the athletics department previously, including serving as interim athletic director following Andy Carter’s departure in 2022. He also oversaw the athletic department following Kevin Forde’s resignation as athletic director amid controversy in January.
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“Although becoming the athletic director at MSU was not immediately on my radar, I was ready to keep learning and for whatever opportunities like ahead,” said Harmon. “The merging of student development and athletics is in my wheelhouse, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of being part of a winning team in both student affairs and athletics.”
According to the Daily News, citing a press release from the university, Shirley noted, “Harmon’s long-standing relationships in the athletic community in Minot, his time spent as interim AD, and the synergy between student affairs and intercollegiate athletics as catalysts for the restructuring.”
Harmon holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Minot State University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota Two of three daughters hold degrees from MInot State, as well.
