VERMILLION, S.D.—University of South Dakota Athletic Director David Herbster is pleased to announced that Joe Thuente will return to the Coyote athletic department to serve as senior associate athletic director for external affairs.
 
Thuente was USD's assistant athletic director of marketing from 2014-18. He served in the same capacity at University of Texas at San Antonio during the 2018-19 academic year before transitioning to University of New Mexico where he has served as associate athletic director for marketing and communications.
 
"I am really looking forward to bringing Joe back to the Coyote family," said Herbster. "He made us better in so many areas while he was here, and the experience he brings back to us will move us forward. Joe has the ability to think creatively through complex issues and find ways to raise the bar."
 
Thuente hails from Johnston, Iowa, and earned his bachelor's degree in business management from University of Northern Iowa. He went on to complete a master's degree in intercollegiate athletics leadership at University of Washington.
 
Thuente became a marketing intern at Northwestern University in 2010 and quickly ascended the ranks. He was hired full-time as a marketing assistant later that year and was promoted to assistant director of marketing during the fall of 2011. He served in that capacity until arriving in Vermillion in the fall of 2014.
 
"I want to thank David Herbster and President (Sheila) Gestring for giving me the opportunity to come back to USD," said Thuente. "Coming to South Dakota the first time in 2014 was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my family back and lay down roots in Vermillion.
 
"USD is a special place, and the department is filled with great people who are doing great things. The results are already there, and the potential for more is off the charts. We are ready to take this thing to the next level and I can't wait to get started. Go Yotes!"
 
As director of marketing at USD, Thuente was responsible for marketing, revenue generation and game day production for all Coyote sports. He aided greatly in the department's transition and promotion of events in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center which came online in 2016. He oversaw USD's ticket office, its digital and video team and served as a liaison between Coyote athletics and student services including the spirit squads, the band and the Coyote Crazies student section.
 
At New Mexico, Thuente has overseen a staff responsible for marketing, media relations and communications, and the creative services department. He recently completed a year in which he negotiated more than $1 million in annual trade deals with TV stations, radio stations, print/digital media outlets, digital marketing firms and others. In addition, he handled the UNM athletics licensing program, overseeing the use and permissions for the Lobo athletic marks. He has also served as part of New Mexico Athletics' leadership team led by Athletic Director Eddie Nunez.
 
Thuente and his wife, Jen, have a son Kellan.