Joe Karlgaard, a former state champion in track and field at Bismarck High, has been named assistant athletics director for external affairs-media relations at Oberlin College in Ohio.
Oberlin director of athletics Vin Lananna said Karlgaard would collaborate with Colleen Wrenn, the new special assistant to the director of athletics for marketing and promotions, to further the goals of Oberlin Yeomen athletics.
"Joe distinguished himself among a talented group of applicants," Lananna said. "His experiences in broadcasting, marketing and fund-raising are a tremendous asset to Oberlin College."
Karlgaard is completing work on his doctorate in educational policy and administration at the University of Minnesota. He will present his dissertation at the Association for the Study of Higher Education national conference in November. He received his bachelor's degree in history at Stanford University, where he was a four-time track and field letter winner, in 1996. He holds a master's degree in educational policy and administration.
At Stanford he was the play-by-play radio announcer for Cardinal football and has provided color commentary for University of Mary men's and women's basketball. He worked as a weekend sports anchor at KFYR-TV.
Karlgaard said "it is an honor to become part of the Oberlin family. The college has a national reputation for excellence in the liberal arts and an inclusive atmosphere for students, faculty and staff."
Oberlin, located in Oberlin, Ohio, has an enrollment of about 2,800. It supports an NCAA III athletic program.