MSUM begins search for new athletic director

A search is underway for Minnesota State University Moorhead’s new director of athletics. The position was vacated in April 2021 by long-time AD Doug Peters, who joined Prairie Heights Community Church in West Fargo, N.D., as its executive director.

Chad Markuson has been serving as interim athletic director since last spring. He joined MSUM in 2011 and has served as associate AD and deputy AD before assuming leadership of the Dragons Athletics program.

A member of the President’s Administrative Council, the director of athletics will lead a Division II athletics program consisting of 14 teams, serve as a visible and engaged leader in the Fargo-Moorhead community, and promote the highest standards of ethics and excellence for student-athletes, coaches, and Dragon Athletics staff.

MSUM is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), one of the nation’s largest and most competitive conferences. Women’s teams include basketball, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, cross country, track and field, and golf. Men’s teams include football, basketball, wrestling, track and field, and cross country.

Dragon athletes and teams consistently earn conference, regional, and national honors. Recent facilities improvements include the installation of Scheels Field and a state-of-the-art strength training room, both funded through generous donor support. In addition, a recent increase in university support for athletics scholarships will strengthen the ability of Dragon Athletics to compete for top regional talent.

The application is open at mnstate.edu/jobs. MSUM is being assisted in the search by Bowlsby Sports Advisors. Interested candidates who wish to have a confidential conversation about the position should contact Kyle Bowlsby at kyle@bowlsbysportsadvisors.com.