Bill Gross Position: Director of Athletics Institution: Augustana College

Bill Gross has been Augustana's athletics director since 1986. He also served as in various men's basketball coaching roles from 1979-92. In addition, from 1995-2005, he was also the chair of the health, physical education and recreation department.

In his 20 years as director of athletics, Augustana teams have won 16 North Central Conference (NCC) championships and qualified 55 times for NCAA postseason play. Over this time period the Vikings have also won six NCAA regional championships, a national championship and three national runner-up finishes. In addition, over the past 21 years, 114 (10 in 2005-06) Augustana student-athletes have been named All-Americans and 36 have earned Academic All-America honors.

Gross has been directly involved in the planning and funding of the Elmen Center (1989), Bowden Field (1991), Ronken Field (1993), the football locker room and weight room in the Bill Hall Football Complex (1994), and the outdoor track resurfacing (1997). Fund raising efforts have seen $2 million go into the Elmen Center Enhancement Project and finances for the new Hall Football Complex and Sanford Gymnasium.

Gross has also played a significant role in the growth of the Augustana Booster Club, corporate sponsorship program, the All-American Club and the Partners in Excellence campaign. In 2002 Gross was a leader in shaping financial agreements with local businesses for replacement of the outdoor marquee on campus and for new signage packages in the Elmen Center. He has also been heavily involved in all other phases of Augustana athletics fund raising, including the annual Booster Club Auction, Sam Milanovich Golf Tournament, the new women's walk and negotiation of lead trust agreements. Gross also played a major part in formulating a very successful athletics training partnership with Sanford Hospital.

In promotions and marketing, Gross originated the idea and serves as the host for Augustana Sportscene, a 30-minute program highlighting Augustana athletics. He also put together plans for the inaugural "Dakota Basketball Classic." In 2007, Gross helped Augustana athletics secure a three-year deal with KELOLAND Television.

Gross was an active leader in the development of Augustana's Gender Equity Plan. This plan has resulted in increased funding, new and improved facilities, and the addition of women's soccer and women's golf. During Gross' time as director of athletics, Augustana athletics has expanded to 18 sports (nine for men and nine for women) with over 325 student-athletes participating in the program.

Gross serves on numerous committees for the NCC, NCAA and Sioux Falls Community.

Gross is originally from Hayfield, Minn. As a basketball player at Augustana from 1969-73, he was named to the All-North Central Conference team three times. After earning his degree in 1973, Gross played one year of professional basketball in Europe. He then taught and coached at the high school level before returning to Augustana in 1979. He earned his master's degree in physical education from South Dakota in 1979.

Bill and his wife, Sheree, have three children: Jennie, Chris, and Sara.