Valley City (VCSU-CSi) – VCSU President, Tisa Mason announces that Nate Stewart has been named Valley City State University’s next athletic director.

Stewart is currently the director of athletics and athletic development at Eastern University, an NCAA Division III school in St. Davids, Pa. He begins his new responsibilities at VCSU on July 29, 2016.

Stewart will be responsible for the development, administration, vision and leadership of the men’s and women’s athletic programs at VCSU. Stewart replaces Jack Denholm, who resigned after six years to take the athletic director position at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Mason says “We are excited to have Nate Stewart join our athletic department. He brings a well-rounded athletic experience, along with an enthusiasm and skill set that matches what we need at VCSU. His vision for the role athletics plays on campus will serve us well, and his leadership as a member of the Cabinet will contribute to our growing success.”

A native of Christiansburg, Va., Stewart has been director of athletics for one year at Eastern University. Prior to that he was the school’s head men’s basketball coach for four seasons and also served as the assistant athletic director for advancement.

Stewart says, “I want to thank President Mason and the search committee for the opportunity to become a Viking. My family and I are excited to join Valley City State University and the Valley City community. I look forward to working with our talented coaches and staff as we pursue excellence on the fields and courts, but most importantly in the classroom and community.”

Before joining Eastern University, Stewart worked as an assistant men’s basketball coach for NCAA Division I schools Radford University and University of Maryland Baltimore Country. Stewart played college basketball at Roanoke College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance. He earned a master’s degree in athletic administration from Marshall University while coaching as a graduate assistant.

Stewart and his wife, Lauren, have a young son, Noah.

Valley City State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a conference member of the North Star Athletic Association. VCSU sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports including basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, softball, track & field, cross country and golf.