The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is pleased to announce the selection of Richard (Dick) A. Kaiser as the university's athletic director (AD).
Kaiser earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of Northern Colorado, a master's in educational administration from South Dakota State University, and a doctorate of education in athletic leadership and administration from Brigham Young University. He completed his post-doctorate in health education and administration at Oregon State University.
For the past 10 years, Kaiser has served as the AD for Defiance College. Previously, he served as AD at Olivet College, Western Oregon University and Willamette University. He has received a number of honors and awards from athletics organizations such as the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and others.
"Athletics has always been considered a major activity at the School of Mines, and we look forward to applying Dick Kaiser's expertise in growing this important facet of campus life," School of Mines President Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., said. "Having a full-time athletic director will allow us to devote the resources necessary to taking our athletics program to the next level. The School of Mines is grateful for the gift to the Hardrock Club that helped make this goal a reality."
As AD, Kaiser will be responsible for leading the athletics program through all phases of development and fostering an environment of quality instruction and high scholarly and athletic achievement. He will also play a key role in athletic fundraising and continuing to build and maintain relationships with boosters and community leaders. He will oversee all operations in the athletic department, including intercollegiate athletic sports; recruitment, selection, development and retention of coaches and staff; health of student-athletes; and leadership and management of daily operations of the athletic department.
"I am absolutely delighted to receive this opportunity to become the next athletic director at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I feel very privileged that the university has shown this much confidence in my abilities as an athletic administrator," Kaiser said. "I look forward to working with all of the talented coaches, administrators and various athletic staff members that make up Hardrocker athletics. My ultimate goal is to continue to enhance the overall athletic experience student-athletes discover at the School of Mines while maintaining the highest level of integrity and academic standing the college has so famously established."
Kaiser will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with all NAIA, conference and university rules and regulations. The School of Mines is a member of the NAIA and the Dakota Athletic Conference with 10 programs competing in women's volleyball and men's football, as well as women's and men's teams in golf, cross country, track and field and basketball.
Kaiser has two grown children, Cassie and Ryan; one grandson, Jack; and twin grandsons, expected in September. He will assume his post as athletic director on July 1, 2009.
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