WALLY FELDT, Frontier Conference Press Release:
WHITEFISH, Mont., Apr. 11, 2023 – Frontier Conference Commissioner Kent
Paulson announced his retirement at Tuesday afternoon press conference in
Helena, Mont. His retirement will effective June 30, 2023.
Paulson, began his term in 2009, is the longest-serving commissioner in the
history of the conference. Carroll College president and Frontier Conference chair
of the Council of Presidents Dr. John Cech said Paulson will receive the title of
Frontier Conference Commissioner Emeritus.
“Kent’s leadership over the past 14 years has truly defined the Frontier
Conference,” Cech said. He has worked tirelessly to serve the 10 institutions in
four states which comprise the conference. The Council of Presidents, which I
have the pleasure of leading, wanted to express our deep appreciation to Kent for
his leadership, and we are honored to acknowledge his unwavering commitment
to the conference by conferring upon him the title of Frontier Commissioner
Emeritus.”
His career highlights are many including the expansion of the conference,
brokered the webcasting of conference events, the increase in corporate
sponsorship, the development of a fall Media Day, established Frontier
Conference scholarships presented through the Montana Coaches’s Association
(MCA), instituted the Ron “Swede” Kenison award, and the Frontier Conference
Service Award, and established a sports chair system. This just a sampling of the
Paulson’s accomplishments during his tenure as conference commissioner.
Bottom line, the conference is better.
In addition, Paulson worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with
the conference presidents, chancellors, athletic directors, athletic trainers, and
coaches to establish health protocols ensuring the conference member colleges
and universities, their teams and athletics were operating in a safe environment.
He is the recipient of many awards including the MCA Outstanding Contributor
Award, the MCA Distinguished Service Award, the National Association of
Intercollegiate Association (NAIA) Award of Merit and the NAIA Charles M.
Morris Administrator of the Year.
“Kent Paulson exemplifies all that is good about the NAIA, the Frontier
Conference, and college athletics,” Jim Carr, President of the National
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics said. “Kent has spent his entire
professional career as a servant leader and has had a positive impact on countless
students, coaches, and administrators. On behalf of the NAIA, I wish Kent and
his wife Joan the best as they enjoy retired life with their family.”
Paulson is completing his 50th year in education. Paulson spent 14 years at
Whitefish High School, nine as assistant principal and five as principal. A veteran
of the Montana high school coaching ranks, Paulson taught and coached track
and basketball at both Troy and C.M. Russell High Schools.
Paulson was previously active with the Montana High School Association. He was
a former MOA basketball official, a basketball tournament manager, and is a
respected track and field official.
Paulson graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Western
Montana College (Montana Western) in 1973, and earned a masters of education
from the Dillon school in guidance counseling in 1979.
He received his secondary principal endorsement from the University of Montana
in 1980. Paulson and his wife, Joan, are the parents of three children Kale, Krista,
and Kurt, who is the head men’s basketball coach for Carroll College.
“We are extremely appreciative of Kent’s commitment and enthusiasm for the
Frontier Conference and NAIA Athletics over the past 14 years,” Montana
Chancellor Dr. Les Cook said. “A solid foundation has been established and the
momentum will continue as the conference expands. His support of member
institutions and more importantly, our student athletes has been exemplary. We
are forever grateful to both he and Joan for their dedication and support.”
A search for Paulson’s replacement will begin immediately with Carroll College
President John Cech and Montana Tech Chancellor Les Cook co-chairing the
search. The search committee will be made up of chancellors, presidents, and
athletic directors representing the conference.
The position is full-time and the physical location of the commissioner is flexible
but they must reside in Montana. Additional information about the search will be
posted to the Frontier Conference website at frontierconference.com.
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