Jon Hart is in his second year with USF, he was named the University of Sioux Falls' sixth full-time director of intercollegiate athletics in October 2023 and began the role in January 2024. Hart also serves on the president's management team for the University.
During the 2024-2025 season the Cougars amassed 258 student-athletes on the NSIC All-Academic Team with 159 making All-Academic Team of Excellence.
Hart most recently served as athletic director at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Throughout his seven-year tenure at DWU, Hart raised over $900,000 annually while overseeing 18 sports with over 450 student-athletes and over 40 coaches. He assisted in securing a $40 million campaign for DWU Athletics throughout four years, plus an additional $12 million campaign for athletic facilities.
Hart had a hand in continued increases in graduation rates and athletic success during his time at DWU. The Tigers claimed their first national championships in 2018 and 2019 and continue to be within the top half of the NAIA Learfield Cup national standings with some of the best team finishes and rankings in DWU history. Under his leadership the Tigers saw a steady increase in conference championships, All-Americans and All-Conference honorees, as well as multiple top finishes and post-season appearances.
Academically, Dakota Wesleyan had 17-of-18 programs receive NAIA Scholar Team status while DWU Athletics was recognized as a Five-Star GOLD Champions of Character institution due to their student-athletes' success in the classroom, service in the community and conduct in competition.
Prior to being named the Director of Athletics in 2016, Hart spent four years as the Associate Athletic Director where he helped DWU navigate an overall rebrand along with other compliance and event management tasks. He also served as the athletic development officer spearheading annual fundraising, booster club involvement and corporate partnership opportunities.
Hart served as athletic director chair for the Great Plains Athletic Conference and has been the NAIA Athletic Directors Association representative for the GPAC since 2019. Through his work on the NAIA ADA Board of Directors, he has helped serve on membership and national tournament taskforces. He has also led sessions at the NAIA National Convention related to mental health and staff development.
A former football and baseball athlete for the Tigers, Hart graduated from Dakota Wesleyan with a bachelor's degree in sports management and business in 2011, and again in 2012 with his master's degree in administration and educational policy.
Jon and his wife Danielle have twin daughters, Harper and Henley, along with a son, Hawkins.
Updated: 6/2025
