Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman has announced today that Scott Nelsen has been promoted to Senior Associate Athletic Director/Marketing & Communications.
 
In addition to his core responsibilities of marketing, promotions and community engagement, Nelsen has added oversight of the Athletic Communications office to his duties.  In addition, Nelsen will help guide the Maverick baseball and wrestling programs.
 
Nelsen, who served as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications from 2006-2012, returned to Minnesota State in 2019 as the Director of Marketing, Promotions, and Community Engagement.  In 2021 he was elevated to Assistant Director of Athletics. This past winter Nelsen stepped in to help manage the day-to-day operations of the Athletic Communications office in the absence of Hall of Famer Paul Allan, who retired in December 2022 after serving MSU in that role for more than 37 years.  
 
Over the past two years, Nelsen has spearheaded the MavWeek Challenge—the department's annual scholarship fundraising initiative.  During those the two years the MavWeek Challenge has generated nearly $246,000.   Additionally, he has worked to continue to elevate the profile of Maverick Athletics in both game attendance and in terms community engagement.  This past year the men's and women's basketball teams finished third in the NSIC in attendance while the men's hockey team finished 12^th in the nation in attendance and ninth in percentage capacity. 
 
"Scott Nelsen is a true Maverick and bleeds the purple and gold. We couldn't have a better ambassador representing our programs in these important public relations roles," said Buisman.  "Strategically, we wanted to create better synergy across our external operations and what we were doing in marketing and communications. I am confident Scott has the experiences and type of skill set that will allow that to happen."
 
Nelsen lives in North Mankato with his wife Lisa and children Nolan (7) and Rylie (4).