Minot State restructures athletics, student affairs into a single leadership role
MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University President Dr. Steven Shirley has announced the MSU Athletic Department and Minot State Student Affairs will undergo an administrative restructuring effective immediately.
The University has eliminated the athletic director position and expanded the role of Kevin Harmon, current vice president for student affairs, into the newly established position of 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,” Shirley said. “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 was named interim athletic director following Kevin Forde's resignation in January. This is the second time Harmon has been named interim athletic director, also serving in the role for several months 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 said. “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.”
Along with over 15 years of service to the University as dean of admissions and vice president for student affairs, Harmon is a 1989 elementary education graduate and a former student-athlete, competing for the Beavers in wrestling. He has deep ties to MSU and the community.
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. MSU will likely elevate additional positions to take on added roles and responsibilities as a result of this change.
“I’m excited about this opportunity to serve our students, Minot State University, and the community of Minot,” he said. “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 the faith in me to help move our University forward.”
Harmon previously worked in K-12 education for 19 years as a teacher, administrator, and coach in Minnesota and North Dakota. He has been active in many community and civic planning groups and boards. Along with his undergraduate degree at MSU, he holds a master’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Harmon and his wife, Leisa, have strong ties to Minot State University as graduates and long-time employees. The Harmons have three grown daughters, two of whom also hold MSU degrees.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 03/19/24
