Jon Hart is in his second year as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Sioux Falls, joining the Cougars as just the sixth to hold the position in January 2024. In a short time, he has led a period of significant growth, innovation, and achievement for USF Athletics both competitively and operationally. Under his 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. Hart 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 recorded its highest number of Myles Brand Award winners and saw more than 250 student-athletes earn NSIC All-Academic Team honors. Cougar Club membership has more than doubled, and the revived Junior Cougar Club now includes over 300 young members. Sponsorships, partnerships, and team fundraising revenues have increased by more than 20 percent, while the department’s digital presence has expanded through a new website, fan app, and enhanced social media efforts. Hart has overseen broadcast modernization and improved streaming services, implemented new compliance software and ticketing systems, strengthened transportation partnerships, and elevated game-day experiences through promotions and SAAC-led initiatives. He also helped launched the USF SAAC Cup and helped guide more than 2,500 hours of community service completed by student-athletes and staff in support of over 20 local and regional organizations. In addition, Hart serves on the University’s President’s Management Council, representing athletics in campus-wide strategic discussions.
Before arriving in Sioux Falls, Hart spent nearly eight years as Director of Athletics at Dakota Wesleyan University (NAIA) in Mitchell, South Dakota, from 2016 to 2023. There, he oversaw 18 sports, 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 2018 in women’s basketball and 2019 in track and field, consistently ranked among the top half of the NAIA Learfield Cup standings, increased conference titles and All-Americans, and maintained strong academic success with programs regularly earning NAIA Scholar Team honors. 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 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, earning his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Business in 2011 and a 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 son, Hawkins.
Updated: 2/2026
