South Dakota Mines has announced that Athletic Director Joel Lueken left the university to pursue other professional interests.
Lueken joined South Dakota Mines in 2014 and led the institution’s transition to its first NCAA Division II conference membership when joining the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2016-2017. During his tenure, athletic scholarship funding and ticket revenue have increased, major improvements have been made to athletic facilities, and he developed an ongoing partnership with Monument Health that provides vital services to the scholar-athletes.
“I want to thank Joel for his dedicated and exceptional service to South Dakota Mines over the last decade,” said President Jim Rankin, PhD PE. “We all wish him and his family the best in their next chapter.”
Senior Associate Athletic Director of Internal Operations/Senior Women’s Administrator Cassie Kosiba has been appointed interim athletic director. The university will begin its search for a new athletic director in the coming weeks. More information will be shared as it becomes available.