Shelby Bradley | Sports Co-Editor
Buena Vista University (BVU) named Jack Denholm as the new Director of Athletics proceeding Christyn Abaray’s duties.
Denholm, from Parkersburg, Iowa, graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Physical Education. He then went on to earn his masters degree in Sports Administration from the University of Minnesota – Mankato. With 20 years of administrative experience, Denholm also has experience in the coaching and student affairs department.
Prior to his recent commitment to BVU, Denholm has been serving as the Director of Athletics at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota since 2010. He also worked as the Director of Athletics and the Dean of Students at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa for eleven years and also coached wrestling there for six years. Denholm was also a wrestling coach, instructor and Athletic Director for Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minnesota for seven years.
“Buena Vista has a very rich athletic tradition and it will be great to be part of that culture. When I went to college, I competed in the Iowa Conference so I am pretty familiar with the competition and hope I can provide some insight and the necessary leadership to improve and enhance the BVU athletic program,” Denholm said.
When selecting a candidate for this position Assistant Athletic Director, Amy Santucci, stated that BVU looks for someone who is passionate about Division 3 and its philosophy, who exemplifies the characteristics that coincides with the vision of the university, and someone who can progressively lead our Athletics Department.
“Mr. Denholm is enthusiastic, action-oriented, pursues new ideas and values success across all aspects of the student-athletes’ college experience,” Santucci said. “Mr. Denholm has a variety of experience from different collegiate levels, both within the state of Iowa and the surrounding Midwest that allows him to have a unique but relevant outlook on how we can progress BVU Athletics and build on our previous successes.”
Denholm is scheduled to begin his duties at BVU on or around June 15.
