Jeff Dittman, Dakota State University Athletics Director, Announces Retirement

After over 40 years of dedicated service to college athletics, Jeff Dittman, the Athletics Director at Dakota State University, has announced his retirement effective April 2. Dittman, who has had a successful career working at NCAA DI and NAIA schools, leaves behind a legacy of excellence and growth at DSU.

Starting as an assistant with the women’s basketball program, Dittman spent 17 years at Dakota State before moving on to Hastings College in Nebraska for four years. In 2012, he returned to Madison to coach women’s basketball and eventually took on the role of athletics director in 2018. During his time at DSU, Dittman was named Conference Coach of the Year three times and South Dakota College Coach of the Year twice.

Under Dittman’s leadership, Dakota State has seen significant growth in the number of student-athletes, programs offered, and facility upgrades. The university has added esports and development teams, with plans to introduce a women’s soccer program and potentially drone racing in the future.

President José-Marie Griffiths praised Dittman for his impact on DSU athletics, stating, “We have seen growth in the number of student athletes, the number of programs offered, and major upgrades to the facility.” Dittman expressed his gratitude to the DSU community for their support throughout his tenure and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the university’s athletics fundraising efforts on a part-time basis in the fall.

As DSU begins the search for a new athletics director, interim duties will be split between Amy Veenhof, head volleyball coach, and Anthony Drealan, head track and cross-country coach. With Dittman’s retirement, Dakota State University will embark on a new chapter in its athletics department, building upon the foundation laid by a true sports visionary.