June 29, 2026

HELENA, Mont.  – Dave Bass of Valley City State (N.D.) has been selected as the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year, recognizing a career dedicated to academic integrity, student-athlete success, and service to intercollegiate athletics.

Bass had been a fixture at VCSU for 45 years, starting his career in 1981 where he served as the head track & cross-country coach for ten years.  He was named NAIA District 12 Coach of the Year four times in cross country and twice in track & field.  He was also an assistant football coach for three seasons from 1983-85.

Bass has served as Valley City State University's Faculty Athletics Representative for more than two decades, becoming one of the most respected leaders in the NAIA. Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to ensure the university's athletics program maintains the highest academic and institutional standards while advocating for the well-being and success of Viking student-athletes.

His dedication has been recognized on the national stage. In 2017, Bass received the prestigious Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award, the NAIA's highest honor for a Faculty Athletics Representative. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify integrity, promote the balance between academics and athletics, and make significant contributions to the mission of NAIA.

As Valley City State's FAR, Bass has served as the critical liaison between faculty, administration, and athletics, helping ensure institutional compliance while championing the academic achievement of student-athletes. His leadership has fostered an environment where athletic competition and academic excellence go hand in hand, reinforcing the educational mission of the university.

Beyond campus, Bass has been an active contributor to the NAIA's governance structure, serving on numerous national committees and helping shape policies that benefit student-athletes across the association. His leadership and collaborative approach have earned the respect of colleagues throughout the conference and the NAIA.

The Frontier Conference FAR of the Year honor recognizes Bass' unwavering dedication to the student-athlete experience, his commitment to academic excellence, and his lasting impact on Valley City State University and the NAIA. His years of service continue to set the standard for faculty athletics representatives throughout the conference.

“Congratulations to Dave Bass!  I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award for his work in 2025-26 to see the Frontier Conference come together as 12-member institutions,” said Frontier Conference Commissioner Dr. Scott Crawford.  “I look forward to Dave transitioning into the role of Eligibility Chair for the conference in the coming academic year.”