Executive Board Bio – Kurt Esser

Kurt Esser began his tenure as Director of Athletics at Seminole State College in August of 2016. Since his arrival, Esser has put together a master plan for Raider Athletics, created a sponsorship and fund-raising plan and enhanced the Raider brand through community outreach. Esser was instrumental in the planning, opening and operations of the brand-new Raider Center, home to Seminole State Athletics, campus wellness and recreation.

 

During his time at Seminole State, Esser has served several (NJCAA) regional leadership roles. He is currently the Mid-Florida Conference Chair (2020-22). Esser also served as Men’s Basketball Chair (2019-22) and on the Region VIII Conference Realignment committee. Seminole State has also hosted the Region VIII Softball regionals (2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022) and has been awarded the 2022 NJCAA Women’s Golf National Championships.

 

Esser came to Seminole State from the University of New Mexico. He joined the University of New Mexico Lobos in July of 2007. Esser's duties included oversight of Marketing, Communications, LoboTV, Community Relations, Concessions as well as sport oversight of Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Golf, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Skiing and Men’s & Women’s Soccer. Esser created an event management department; brought the cheer and community relations efforts under one person and served on "The Pit" renovation committee.

 

Prior to New Mexico, Esser worked for almost five years at the University of Nevada. While at Nevada, Esser initiated a student fan group, the Blue Crew and revamped the marketing and sales efforts with the hiring of a season and group ticket sales director. Esser has extensive experience in out-source marketing and collegiate athletics.

 

The former Host and Learfield Communications employee, who also worked at Illinois State and Kansas, holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Indiana University (1988) and a master's degree in sports administration from the University of Kansas (1995).

 

Esser is active nationally, serving on the Board of Directors (2006-2012) and President for the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) during the 2010-11 academic year and as a member of the NCAA Division I Women's and Men's Soccer Committees.

 

Kurt and his wife, Tricia, have a daughter, Reese and a son, Jackson.