Feature Story
Josh Monsen Named Director of Athletics
Southern Virginia University President Bonnie H. Cordon has named Josh Monsen the university’s director of athletics. Monsen, who has been serving as the interim director of athletics since September 2024, will now formally take on the role, continuing his leadership within the athletic department.
“We really want our students to have a holistic approach in their college experience, and athletics is a big part of that,” said Monsen. “College is all about core memories, and with over 60% of our students being members of at least one team, I want them to have the best memories of their time here as a Knight both on the court and in the classroom.”
In his new role, Monsen will oversee all aspects of the athletic department, including operations, recruitment, and the development of student-athletes in alignment with President Cordon’s goals for the university of being centered on Christ and striving for academic excellence.
“That’s what I love about working with our athletic programs,” said Monsen. “They’re focused on growing and increasing together. Coaches are invested in their students’ academic experience and want them to excel in the classroom as well as in their sport, and be supported for the duration that they are here on campus and beyond.”
Monsen joined Southern Virginia in 2018 as the sports information director, where he enhanced the university’s athletic communications and helped elevate the visibility of the athletic programs. From 2020–23, Monsen served as the assistant athletic director for academics and operations, assisting in the academic support of student-athletes while overseeing operational aspects of the athletic department. He was promoted to deputy athletic director in 2023 and played a key role in the department’s development and growth.
A graduate of Gonzaga University with a master’s degree in sports management and administration, Monsen also earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University. At UVU, he was a member of the cross country and track and field teams, earning first- and second-team All-WAC honors in both sports, along with All-Academic honors for track and field.
Prior to joining the athletics administration team at Southern Virginia, Monsen worked as a sports information intern at Utah Valley University and served as a special project manager at National MedTrans Inc. from 2016–18.
Monsen served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Spokane, Washington. He and his wife, JaLeigh, live in Lexington with their three children.