Indiana State University today announced that Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen has received a contract extension through June 30, 2030, and will step into a new title as Vice President & Director of Athletics.
Christensen has made a tremendous impact on the Athletic Department over his two years at the helm with Sycamore Athletics posting record revenue numbers, exceeding both in the classroom and on the competition surface, and announcing new facility enhancements to Hulman Center.
“Since Nathan Christensen arrived at Indiana State, he has brought vision, energy, and a clear commitment to elevating Sycamore Athletics,” said Indiana State University President Mike Godard. “Under his leadership, we have seen tremendous momentum across the department — from record revenue growth and outstanding academic performance to championship success, facility progress, and deeper engagement with our community. I have also had the privilege of working closely with Nathan and knowing the integrity, collaboration, and purpose he brings to this role every day. He has earned my full confidence, and this extension and new title reflect both the impact he has already made and the bright future we are building together.”
Since his arrival in Terre Haute, Christensen has placed an emphasis on revenue generation. Over his first year, the Indiana State Athletic Department featured a 29 percent in revenue generation categories, including a marked growth of 370 percent in the Crossroad of Champions. Over the 2025-26 season, Give to Blue Day giving toward Athletics saw a 144 percent increase this year, while corporate partnerships have helped the department reach $1.4 million in giving.
The Investor Society, a fundraising innovation of Christensen, focused on recognizing and honoring donors who have achieved philanthropic milestones toward Athletics has reached more than 80 members in just over one year.
In the classroom, Indiana State has had more than 600 student-athletes make the AD honor roll in each of the last two years, including a program-record 693 achieving the feat in 2024-25. The department also posted a 3.507 cumulative GPA in 2025-26 marking the fifth consecutive year Sycamore student-athletes have posted a cumulative GPA over 3.30.
On the competition surface, Christensen made the direct hires of head coaches Tracy Archuleta (baseball), Windy Thees (softball), and Ted Kopacz (volleyball), while Indiana State’s tradition of excellence has seen the department add seven Missouri Valley Conference titles to its coffers over the last two years. The Sycamores’ athletic success across the department resulted in Indiana State finishing third in the MVC All-Sports Trophy in the 2025-26 season.
The momentum extends beyond competition as investment in the future of Sycamore Athletics isoccurring this summer with enhancements to Hulman Center. Along with additional facility improvements on the horizon as the university works alongside RATIO to finalize a comprehensive facilities master plan that will shape the next generation of athletic and campus experiences.
Indiana State Sycamore Athletics remains active in the community under Christensen’s direction thanks in part to its partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation, as well as the CVB and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. The Sycamores recorded more than 2,000 hours of community service in each of the last two seasons through various department initiatives in giving back to the Terre Haute community.
“It is an incredible honor to lead Indiana State Athletics,” said Vice President & Director of Athletics Nathan Christensen. “I am grateful to our student-athletes, coaches, and staff whose commitment to excellence drives everything we do. I also want to thank our fans, donors, alumni, and community partners for embracing our vision, sharing in our excitement, and helping us elevate our Indiana State University, Sycamore Athletics, and the Wabash Valley. A special thank you to President Mike Godard for his leadership, guidance, and unwavering support. Together, we have built tremendous momentum, but our best days are still ahead. The work is just beginning, and I am excited for what we will accomplish together.”