SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The University of Sioux Falls has named Jon Hart as its sixth full-time director of intercollegiate athletics, USF President Dr. Brett Bradfield announced today. Hart will also serve on the president’s management team. Hart most recently served as athletic director at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Hart will begin his duties at USF January 1, 2024, and was introduced in a news conference on Friday, October 13, 2023.
“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to join the USF family,” said Hart. “I knew early on in the process that I felt a strong connection to the USF community and it ultimately checked all the boxes for my family and me. USF has a rich history of academic and athletic excellence and I look forward to helping enhance the student-athlete experience for the entire campus community and supporters.”
Throughout his seven-year tenure at DWU, Hart raised over $900,000 annually while overseeing 18 sports with over 450 student-athletes and over 40 coaches. He assisted in securing a $40 million campaign for DWU Athletics throughout four years, plus an additional $12 million campaign for athletic facilities.
Hart had a hand in continued increases in graduation rates and athletic success during his time at DWU. The Tigers claimed their first national championships in 2018 and 2019 and continue to be within the top half of the NAIA Learfield Cup national standings with some of the best team finishes and rankings in DWU history. Under his leadership the Tigers saw a steady increase in conference championships, All-Americans and All-Conference honorees, as well as multiple top finishes and post-season appearances.
Academically, Dakota Wesleyan had 17-of-18 programs receive NAIA Scholar Team status while DWU Athletics was recognized as a Five-Star GOLD Champions of Character institution due to their student-athletes’ success in the classroom, service in the community and conduct in competition.
“As the University of Sioux Falls embarked upon its search for our new athletic director, and due in no small part to the significance of this important role in shaping the lives of our student-athletes and providing positive ambassadorship for the greater University; we sought an individual that demonstrated commitment to sensibly grounded leadership and the ability to build productive and healthy relationships,” stated Dr. Bradfield. “Beyond those baseline qualities, Jon demonstrated his steadfast commitment to creating positive experiences for student-athletes in alignment with the institution’s core mission, as well as an incredibly strong work ethic necessary for this role. Jon’s commitment to his faith and Christian higher education, including his belief about the integration of this faith component into the athletic experience, aligns with the mission-centric purposes of the University. We feel very fortunate to have found Jon Hart who checked all of those boxes for USF.”
Prior to being named the director of athletics in 2016, Hart spent four years as the associate athletic director where he helped DWU navigate an overall rebrand along with other compliance and event management tasks. He also served as the athletic development officer spearheading annual fundraising, booster club involvement and corporate partnership opportunities.
Hart served as athletic director chair for the Great Plains Athletic Conference and has been the NAIA Athletic Directors Association representative for the GPAC since 2019. Through his work on the NAIA ADA Board of Directors, he has helped serve on membership and national tournament taskforces. He has also led sessions at the NAIA National Convention related to mental health and staff development.
A former football and baseball athlete for the Tigers, Hart graduated from Dakota Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and business in 2011, and again in 2012 with his master’s degree in administration and educational policy.
Jon and his wife Danielle have twin daughters, Harper and Henley, along with a son, Hawkins.
About University of Sioux Falls Athletics
USF competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II level, and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Men’s programs include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor and outdoor track & field and wrestling. Women’s programs include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, volleyball and wrestling.
About University of Sioux Falls
Founded 140 years ago, the University of Sioux Falls is a transformative Christian liberal arts university serving over 1,600 students through traditional undergraduate programs as well as graduate, evening and online degree programs including a Doctorate in Leadership. USF is committed to academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world through its more than 90 programs in business, education, nursing and many more including the Center for Professional Development. A recent survey showed an impressive 99% of graduates were either employed or continued on to graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. Additionally, 74% of graduates started their careers in South Dakota, and of those, 94% lived in Sioux Falls or within 30 miles. Learn more at www.usiouxfalls.edu.