Montana State University-Northern announced Mark Samson as their new athletic director to replace Dave Gantt who has resigned. Samson has been with Northern for three years as the head football coach and will continue in that position while adding the responsibilities of Athletic Director.

Samson commented, "We have a great team of coaches and my goal will be to help facilitate their winning programs and to help their students be successful both academically and athletically."

Chancellor Alex Capdeville remarked, "I have been very impressed with Mark's organizational abilities and I feel he will do an excellent job. It is important to establish some continuity and maintain the momentum that we are currently enjoying with our athletic programs and I believe Samson is the man for the job. I feel that he has the respect and more importantly the support of the community."