Denver — MSU Denver President Stephen Jordan announced today the appointment of Anthony Grant as the University's new director of athletics. Grant will start Aug. 17 subject to approval by MSU Denver's Board of Trustees.

Grant brings over 10 years of experience in collegiate athletics to the University, including serving as the interim director of athletics at Millersville University (Pa.) where he oversaw 19 NCAA Division II teams, 70 coaches and more than 350 student-athletes. Prior to that he served as associate director of athletics for seven years at Millersville and as athletic academic coordinator at the University of Iowa for two years.
At Millersville Grant helped raise $250,000 and directed a multi-million-dollar budget. During his tenure, he implemented an academic support program that resulted in the recognition of more than 100 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference scholar-athletes over a period of six years.

As director of athletics at MSU Denver, Grant will oversee and manage the University's 16-sport intercollegiate athletic program as well its 12 club sports and support functions. He will create and sustain a vision for intercollegiate athletics at MSU Denver and provide leadership and direction to the nationally successful athletics program. Additionally, Grant will serve as the primary spokesperson for the athletics program, and will work to promote the program's philosophy and values, and regularly engage with both internal and external stakeholders. His starting salary will be $135,000.

In making the announcement Jordan said, "Grant brings the right mix of devotion to the student-athlete, a fundraising background, and great energy and enthusiasm. He is someone we believe will help elevate the front porch of the University – our Athletics program – to an even greater level."

"MSU Denver is an outstanding institution with a premier Division II athletic program," said Grant. "I would like to thank Dr. Jordan and the search committee for a tremendous opportunity to lead hard-working and talented staff, coaches, and student-athletes. I also look forward to working with our internal and external constituents to build upon the Roadrunners' tradition of excellence by cultivating an environment that emphasizes student-athlete growth and development, national championship caliber competition and civic engagement."

Grant holds a master's degree from Temple University (sport and recreation) and a Ph.D. in health and sport studies with a specialization in athletic administration from the University of Iowa.  He will be joined by his wife Lisa, and his three children, Gianna, Jadyn, and Preston.            

MSU Denver is the leader in transforming the lives of its 21,000 students and communities in Colorado. The University enrolls the highest number of students of color among the state's four-year colleges. It offers 58 majors and master's degrees in accounting, teaching and social work and boasts more than 80,000 alumni, the bulk of whom remain in Colorado after graduation.

To schedule an interview with Grant, please contact John Kietzmann, assistant athletic director, at jkietzma@msudenver.edu or 303-556-8141.