Add an obvious connection to a university president who Larsen knows well and got along with swimmingly and, well, let the speculation begin. ADVERTISEMENTThe Matt Larsen File NDSU athletic director since 2014. Two-time National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics FCS athletic director of the year (2019, 2025). ADVERTISEMENTTop internal candidates were Shamaree Brown, senior associate athletics director for student services for six years; Chris Jorgensen, senior associate athletics director for operations for 15 years; and Ryan McGuire, senior associate athletics director for external relations, in charge of fundraising efforts for 22 years. “Alignment between university president and athletics director is integral for success and support for any university's array of sports teams.