After consultation with Karen Pearson, Vice President for Student Life, President Joel Pearsall announced the appointment of Alison Graham Larson (NNU’s current Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services/SWA) as Interim Director of Athletics. She will begin July 1 and will serve until a new Director of Athletics is hired. Larson is in her 9th year of service to NNU—all of which have been in Athletics.
“Working with Athletics is always a joy, and I’m looking forward to continuing that partnership through Alison,” said Karen Pearson, Vice President for Student Life. “She is well-prepared to step into this interim role, and I am confident that she’ll successfully support the Athletics Department during this transition.”
Larson, a 2002 graduate and former NNU basketball player, oversees the department’s Sports Medicine component and serves as the Senior Women’s Administrator. She is responsible for all aspects of NCAA, conference, government regulation and institutional compliance for Athletics. In addition, Larson has assisted the current Director of Athletics with overall management and leadership of the department, including hiring and personnel, strategic planning and culture implementation. She is involved in various conference and campus committees, including as Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
“I am honored to be asked to serve in this role,” Larson said. “NNU holds a special place in my heart, and over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the mission and vision more fully. I’m excited to step in as Interim Director of Athletics as we continue to serve our student-athletes.”
Larson steps in as interim as current Director of Athletics, Kelli Lindley, moves to her new role as Vice President for External Relations.