GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Mesa University has hired Josh Monsen as deputy athletic director and chief operating officer, Director of Athletics Rob Courtney announced on Monday (Nov. 9). Monsen comes to CMU from Southern Virginia University, where he rose from sports information director to director of athletics.
 
At CMU, Monsen will be responsible for administrative support, facilities and event management, and sport oversight within Maverick Athletics.
 
"Josh has worked in nearly every corner of an athletic department, from communications and academics to operations and leading a department as athletic director," said Courtney. "He understands what coaches and student-athletes need to succeed and he knows how to build the support around them. He will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen Maverick Athletics."
 
Monsen joined Southern Virginia in 2018 as sports information director, working to strengthen the university's athletic communications and raise the visibility of its programs.
 
He was promoted in 2020 to assistant athletic director for academics and operations, supporting student-athletes academically while overseeing department operations.
 
He became deputy athletic director in 2023 and was named interim director of athletics in September 2024. Southern Virginia made the appointment permanent in March 2025, placing him in charge of all aspects of the department, including operations, recruitment and student-athlete development.
 
"Colorado Mesa has a proud tradition of success in competition and in the classroom, and its commitment to the student-athlete experience is what drew me here," said Monsen. "As a former student-athlete, I know how much those years can shape a person. I'm grateful to Rob for this opportunity and my family and I are excited to become part of the Maverick community."
 
Before starting his career at Southern Virginia, Monsen was a special project manager at National MedTrans Inc. from 2016 to 2018. He also worked in the sports information department at Utah Valley University for two years while a student there.
 
Monsen earned his bachelor's degree from Utah Valley, where he competed in cross country and track and field. He earned first and second-team All-WAC honors in both sports, along with All-Academic honors in track and field. He also holds a master's degree in sports management and administration from Gonzaga University.
 
Monsen and his wife, JaLeigh, have four children.
 
Josh begins his duties today.