INDIANAPOLIS –  Earlier this week, the NCAA Division II Executive Board announced the appointment of six new members to the NCAA Division II Management Council, including Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman, who will represent the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
 
Buisman will officially begin serving in this new capacity on January 16, 2026, upon adjournment of the Division II Business Session at the NCAA Convention, and the term will run for a period of four years, ending January 2030. Members of Management Council are recommended and appointed by their conferences to ensure broad representation of Division II institutions and help to manage the division's operations, recommend and implement policies, and ensure that programs align with its strategic priorities and membership needs.
 
"Kevin's appointment to the Division II Management Council is a testament to his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to collegiate athletics," said Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch. "His work within the NSIC has consistently elevated the student-athlete experience, and I'm thrilled to see him bring that same vision and dedication to the national stage. Division II will benefit greatly from his insight and passion."
 
Buisman is in his 23^rd year with Minnesota State Athletics in 2025-26. Over his tenure, Minnesota State programs have won five NCAA Division II national titles (women's basketball 2008-09 & 2023-24, men's basketball 2023-24, indoor track & field 2021-22, softball 2017). Among those championships, the Mavericks have made 116 NCAA Division II postseason appearances and 10 NCAA Division I postseason appearances (men's hockey).
 
Behind this high level of achievement and ongoing commitment to administrative excellence, Buisman was cited twice by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) as one of the Under Amour NCAA Division II Athletic Directors of the Year (2013-14 and 2024-25).
 
"This appointment to the NCAA Division II Management Council is a humbling and exciting opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped much of my professional career, said Buisman.  "During a time of transformational change, this is both a privilege and a responsibility and I'm proud to represent Minnesota State University and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference as we aspire to better serve the membership and advance the student-athlete experience."