NE North Dakota News

Minot State University has announced a restructuring of its athletic department and student affairs into a single leadership role. This change is effective immediately, as stated by MSU President Dr. Steven Shirley.

The university has eliminated the position of athletic director and expanded Kevin Harmon's responsibilities. Harmon, who is currently the vice president for student affairs, will now serve as the vice president for student affairs and intercollegiate athletics.

"Kevin has deep and long-standing ties to Minot State University going back to his days as a Beaver student-athlete, coupled with a distinguished career as a senior administrator on campus," said Shirley. "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. I also want to recognize and thank our MSU teams in both student affairs and athletics for their wonderful efforts in providing high-quality experiences for our students these past few months."

Harmon had been serving as interim athletic director following Kevin Forde's resignation earlier this year. This marks the second time Harmon has taken on the interim role, having previously done so in 2022.

"Although becoming the athletic director at MSU was not immediately on my radar, I was ready to keep learning and for whatever opportunities lie ahead," Harmon commented. "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."

Harmon brings over 15 years of experience at Minot State University as dean of admissions and vice president for student affairs. He is an alumnus from 1989 with a degree in elementary education and competed as a wrestler during his time at MSU.

Shirley highlighted Harmon's connections within the athletic community in Minot, his previous interim roles, and the potential synergy between student affairs and intercollegiate athletics as reasons behind this restructuring decision. The university anticipates elevating additional positions to manage increased responsibilities due to these changes.

"I’m excited about this opportunity to serve our students, Minot State University, and the community of Minot," Harmon stated. "I’m all-in on Minot State, and this is an opportunity to give back to a special place for me and my family. I want to thank Dr. Shirley for having faith in me to help move our University forward."

Before joining MSU, Harmon worked in K-12 education across Minnesota and North Dakota for 19 years as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He holds a master's degree from the University of North Dakota alongside his undergraduate degree from MSU.