After weeks of conducting a national search, South Dakota Mines announced Thursday, June 20, 2024 the hiring of David Crum as the new athletic director.
Crum has more than 30 years of collegiate athletic experience, as well as, an extensive background in fundraising.
After graduating from Concordia College, Crum earned a master’s degree in sports management from Ohio State University.
Then Crum started working in collegiate athletics at UCLA and the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
In 1997, he became the assistant athletic director at Iowa State University and raised over 28 million dollars in three years.
He also worked for the University of Minnesota and Colorado State University.
During his 10 years at Colorado State, he led a team that raised 98 million dollars.
“With David’s experience and background, South Dakota Mines athletics are poised to excel not only in their sport, but in the classroom”, said President Jim Rankin, Ph.D. P.E. “He has a profound understanding of the world of collegiate athletics that will help elevate our student-athletes in their sport, in the classroom, and in their futures. I am excited to see what the future of Hardrocker Athletics holds under David’s leadership.”
Crum replaces Joel Lueken who resigned in April after 10 years with the school.
Crum will officially start at the School of Mines on July 1.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead and walk alongside our student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and talented staff within Hardrocker Athletics and become an integral part of the community and connect with Hardrocker nation across the Black Hills Region and beyond” said Crum. “Lastly, a big thank you to Vice President of Finance and Administration Bill Spindle, Head Volleyball Coach Lauren Prochazka, President Jim Rankin and Interim President Lance Roberts, and the rest of the search committee for entrusting me to help grow the department and lead alongside fantastic people within this athletic department.”