South Dakota State University Athletics

CHRISTENSEN ADDED TO SENIOR STAFF
8/19/2021 1:31:00 PM | General
South Dakota State University Director of Athletics Justin Sell announced Thursday the hiring of Nathan Christensen as senior associate athletic director for development.
"I am thrilled to have Nathan be a part of our administrative team" Sell said. "His wide range of experience makes him a perfect fit for our department and will help us accomplish goals that will set the course of Jackrabbit Athletics for the next generation."
Christensen will work closely with Sell, Deputy AD Slade Larscheid and SDSU Foundation personnel on the immediate and long-range fundraising efforts for Jackrabbit Athletics, including major gifts, capital projects and endowed scholarships. In addition, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 2,000-member Jackrabbit Club. He also will serve as the sport administrator for the women's soccer and men's and women's track and field programs.
"It truly is an honor to join the South Dakota State University family," Christensen said. "I am thankful to Justin Sell and the entire search committee for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with our dedicated and passionate student-athletes, coaches, donors and colleagues, to write the next successful chapter of Jackrabbit athletics. My family and I are excited to join the community of Brookings."
Christensen spent the past five years at the University of Northern Iowa, serving first as the assistant athletic director for development before being promoted to the associate athletics director for external affairs in 2018. At UNI, he oversaw record growth within Panther Scholarship Club, as well as directing the department's marketing, ticketing and communications efforts. He also served as the department's liaison to its Learfield partner, Panther Sports Properties.
A native of Ringsted, Iowa, Christensen began his athletics administration career at his alma mater, Minnesota State University, Mankato. He worked in a variety of roles, including director of marketing and sales and assistant athletic director for external operations.
Christensen begins his duties at SDSU on Aug. 23.
"I am thrilled to have Nathan be a part of our administrative team" Sell said. "His wide range of experience makes him a perfect fit for our department and will help us accomplish goals that will set the course of Jackrabbit Athletics for the next generation."
Christensen will work closely with Sell, Deputy AD Slade Larscheid and SDSU Foundation personnel on the immediate and long-range fundraising efforts for Jackrabbit Athletics, including major gifts, capital projects and endowed scholarships. In addition, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 2,000-member Jackrabbit Club. He also will serve as the sport administrator for the women's soccer and men's and women's track and field programs.
"It truly is an honor to join the South Dakota State University family," Christensen said. "I am thankful to Justin Sell and the entire search committee for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with our dedicated and passionate student-athletes, coaches, donors and colleagues, to write the next successful chapter of Jackrabbit athletics. My family and I are excited to join the community of Brookings."
Christensen spent the past five years at the University of Northern Iowa, serving first as the assistant athletic director for development before being promoted to the associate athletics director for external affairs in 2018. At UNI, he oversaw record growth within Panther Scholarship Club, as well as directing the department's marketing, ticketing and communications efforts. He also served as the department's liaison to its Learfield partner, Panther Sports Properties.
A native of Ringsted, Iowa, Christensen began his athletics administration career at his alma mater, Minnesota State University, Mankato. He worked in a variety of roles, including director of marketing and sales and assistant athletic director for external operations.
Christensen begins his duties at SDSU on Aug. 23.
-GoJacks.com-
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