Northern State University names new Director of Athletics

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University has named a new leader to guide the next era of Wolves Athletics.

Nate Davis has been selected as NSU Director of Athletics—one of only five people to hold that title in almost 70 years.

“I am grateful to the search committee, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the NSU Foundation and all who took part in the interview process,” Davis said. “I am thankful to President Schnoor for this opportunity and appreciate his confidence in selecting me to lead Wolves Athletics. Northern State University has a tremendous history of success in athletics, and I am excited to carry that success forward and continue to build on an already outstanding foundation. Hannah, Tate and I are thrilled to join the Northern and Aberdeen communities. I look forward to meeting and building strong relationships with our fans, alumni, supporters, coaches, staff, and most importantly, our student-athletes.”

Davis, currently Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Pittsburg State University in Kansas, received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Southwest Baptist University in Missouri. His previous work experience includes serving as Associate Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing, Promotion and Licensing at Northwest Missouri State University; Assistant Athletic Director for Operations at Abilene Christian University in Texas; and Assistant Athletic Director for Operations at Southwest Baptist University.

Davis’ start date and an on-campus reception will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Nate has a wide variety of experience in education and athletics and understands what it takes build and sustain a winning athletics and academic culture,” said Dr. Neal Schnoor, NSU President. “This makes him the perfect choice to lead NSU Athletics, and we are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Northern and Aberdeen.

Davis replaces Josh Moon, who stepped down last summer after nine years to accept the same role at the NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Since then, NSU Senior Associate Athletic Director Terri Holmes has served as Interim Director of Athletics.

“Terri has done an outstanding job leading our Athletics Department this past academic year, and we are grateful for her deep dedication, passion, and strong leadership,” Schnoor said.

Davis is the fifth person to serve in the NSU Director of Athletics position since 1956. He was preceded by Moon, Clark Swisher, Dr. James Kretchman and Bob Olson. The search was assisted by consultant Jeff Schemmel, founder and CEO of College Sports Solutions.