WHITEFISH, Mont., Apr. 11, 2023 – Frontier Conference Commissioner Kent Paulson announced his retirement at Tuesday afternoon press conference in Helena, Mont. His retirement will be effective June 30, 2023.
Paulson, who 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 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.
Confidential inquiries can be made to Frontier Conference Council of Presidents Chair, Dr. John Cech at president@carroll.edu.