Jon Hart is entering his third year as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Sioux Falls in 2026-27, joining the Cougars as just the sixth individual to hold the position in program history in January 2024. In a short time, Hart has led a period of significant growth, innovation, and achievement for USF Athletics both competitively and operationally.
Under Hart's leadership, the Cougars have recorded two of their highest finishes in the NSIC All-Sports Trophy standings since transitioning to NCAA Division II, placing fourth in 2024 and third in 2025. He has advanced more than $2.5 million in capital projects slated for completion by Fall 2026, introduced a modernized athletics rebrand, and strengthened engagement across all areas of the department.
USF Athletics has also reached new heights academically and operationally during Hart's tenure. The department has recorded its highest number of NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction honorees and has seen more than 250 student-athletes earn NSIC All-Academic Team recognition. Cougar Club membership has more than doubled, while the revived Junior Cougar Club has grown to include more than 300 young members.
Hart has overseen increases of more than 20 percent in sponsorship, partnership, and team fundraising revenues while significantly expanding the department's digital presence through a redesigned website, enhanced social media strategy, and a new mobile app. He has also modernized broadcast and streaming services, implemented new compliance and ticketing systems, strengthened transportation partnerships, and elevated game-day experiences through new promotions and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee initiatives. Additionally, Hart helped launch the USF SAAC Cup and has guided more than 2,500 hours of community service completed by Cougar student-athletes and staff in support of more than 20 local and regional organizations.
Beyond athletics, Hart serves on the University's President's Management Council, representing athletics in campus-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
Before arriving in Sioux Falls, Hart spent nearly eight years as Director of Athletics at Dakota Wesleyan University from 2016-23. There, he oversaw 18 sports, more than 450 student-athletes, and 40 coaches while leading annual fundraising efforts exceeding $900,000. He played a key role in DWU's $40 million capital campaign, with nearly $15 million dedicated to athletics facilities, fueling one of the most transformative eras in Tiger athletics history.
During his tenure, Dakota Wesleyan captured its first national championships in women's basketball in 2018 and track and field in 2019. The Tigers consistently ranked among the top half of the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings, increased conference championships and All-America honors, and maintained strong academic success with programs regularly earning NAIA Scholar Team recognition. The department also achieved NAIA Five-Star GOLD Champions of Character status for excellence in academics, leadership, and community engagement.
Prior to becoming Athletic Director at Dakota Wesleyan, Hart served four years as Associate Athletic Director, managing compliance, branding initiatives, event operations, and athletic development while helping lead a comprehensive institutional rebrand and expand corporate partnerships. He has remained active at both the conference and national levels, serving in leadership roles on steering committees, representing athletics administrators through NACDA, and presenting at professional conventions.
A former two-sport collegiate student-athlete, Hart played football and baseball at Dakota Wesleyan while earning his bachelor's degree in Sport Management and Business in 2011. He completed his master's degree in Administration and Educational Policy in 2012.
Jon and his wife, Danielle, are the proud parents of twin daughters, Harper and Henley, and their sons, Hawkins and Holden.
Updated 6/18/2026
