MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University Athletic Director Rick Hedberg announced Thursday he is resigning his position in the athletic department to accept the Vice President for Advancement position at MSU.

The university announced Hedberg as successor to long-time VP for Advancement Marv Semrau, who is retiring later this year.

"I need to begin by thanking our many boosters and supporters for their outstanding support of Beaver Athletics over the last 15 years," Hedberg said. "I'd also like to thank the many coaches and staff members that have dedicated much of their lives to MSU Athletics during my time. I'm so very grateful for all of you and for the friendships we've developed. I feel very blessed to have met so many wonderful people through my role as Athletic Director at Minot State University."

MSU President Steven Shirley praised the work Hedberg has done for the athletic department and the university during his time as AD.

"Rick has done a terrific job in serving as Minot State's Athletic Director the past 15 years," Shirley said. "During that time, he has effectively led a large department and established many strong relationships with alumni, supporters, and friends of Minot State while also helping attract significant new resources for the university. Additionally, as a graduate of MSU, Rick is committed to MSU and has been invested in this university for much of his life.

"We look forward to Rick's leadership in sustaining the momentum and building upon the wonderful work in MSU's Advancement that has been led by Marv Semrau the past nine years. Marv will remain involved with Advancement and Foundation activities on a part-time role during the year ahead to assist with the transition and special projects."

During his 15 years as Athletic Director, Hedberg managed many changes within the athletic department, but none were bigger than guiding the Beavers through their transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. He was instrumental in Minot State's acceptance into the premier NCAA Division II conference, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, in 2012.

Minot State sent three teams – women's soccer twice and softball – to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, had two NSIC Players of the Year (Carly Boag, women's basketball, and Jen Dixon, softball) and one Tournament MVP (Zoe Fisher, women's soccer) under Hedberg in the NSIC. Minot State also had a three first-team Academic All-Americans (Dixon, Kowan O'Keefe, men's golf and Breanne Hatfield, women's soccer) during the university's five years in Division II and numerous all conference and all region selections.

Hedberg was instrumental in reinstating the wrestling program and starting women's soccer – both in 2012. He oversaw renovations to Herb Parker Stadium and installation of state-of-the-art video boards in both the MSU Dome and at Herb Parker.

Hedberg was named DAC-10 Athletic Director of the Year in 2002-03. The Beavers won two NAIA National titles as the Men's Cross Country team took home championships in 2002 and 2003. MSU also earned five men's golf titles, three football championships, two postseason championships in women's and men's basketball, the DAC-10 regular season title in men's basketball and a tournament title in both women's cross country and softball. Women's basketball earned four trips to the NAIA national tournament while men's hoops, softball and football made two trips each.

"We are certainly sad to see him leave the helm of the athletic department, but we know it's a great opportunity for him and his family," said MSU head women's basketball coach Sheila Green Gerding. "He accomplished a lot here during his time at MSU. Rick has been an amazing leader for our department and I feel truly blessed to have been able to work with him and for him."

Hedberg will begin his duties as Vice President for Advancement on June 1 and will continue to assist the athletic department during its interim and search for the school's next AD. The university will begin a national search immediately.

"I want to thank Dr. Shirley and the search committee for giving me a chance in a new and exciting role at MSU," Hedberg said. "This is a great opportunity at this point in my career and I look forward to helping MSU grow in my new role as Vice President for Advancement. MSU is a great place to work and Minot is a wonderful place to raise a family. I'm passionate about both places. This new position will allow me even more opportunities to build on the relationships I've made over the last 15 years."

About Minot State
Minot State University is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and NCAA Division II offering 14 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. The NSIC is a premier NCAA DII, 16-member conference featuring teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. The Beavers are the only public NCAA Division II institution in the state of North Dakota.