Jason Harris named new BSC Director of Athletics
Published: Nov 12 2025
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Bismarck State College (BSC) Interim President Dan Leingang announced Wednesday morning that current Mystics head women’s basketball coach Jason Harris will succeed Myron Schulz as director of athletics. Schulz is set to retire at the end of 2025.
“Jason’s history with BSC Athletics and his commitment to student success make him an outstanding choice to lead our athletic department,” said Leingang. “He understands what it means to be a Mystic, exemplifying pride, teamwork and a drive to excel both on and off the field. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue growing our programs and preparing for the return of BSC football in 2027.”
Harris brings a wealth of experience in BSC Athletics and a proven record of leadership and success to his new position. He began his Mystics coaching career in 2008 as the head men’s basketball coach, guiding teams to three national tournament appearances and earning district and regional Coach of the Year recognition three times. In 2014, he transitioned to head women’s basketball coach and head softball coach, where he continued to lead competitive teams and build a strong culture of excellence before departing in 2017 to take a position with Dakota Playground in Bismarck.
In 2024, basketball came calling again, and Harris returned to BSC. He led the BSC women’s basketball program to a 22-8 record, a Mon-Dak Conference championship and a runner-up finish in the NJCAA Region 13 Tournament. This year marks 12 total seasons leading a basketball program at BSC.
Along with his responsibilities on the court, Harris has served as the academic coordinator for the BSC athletic department, managing student-athlete eligibility and overseeing academic success and retention across all sports. He also leads the Mystics Champions of Character program, fostering integrity, sportsmanship and servant leadership through the NAIA-led initiative.
Before coming to BSC, Harris served as the head men’s basketball and baseball coach from 2001 to 2008 at Dakota College at Bottineau, where he also played a key role in planning and launching the college’s football program. That experience will prove invaluable as BSC recently announced the return of its football program, which is scheduled to play the first game in the fall of 2027.
“It's an incredible privilege to step into the role of Bismarck State College’s athletic director,” said Harris. “The sense of pride, teamwork, and dedication as we continue the transition into the NAIA ranks is truly special. Together, we’ll continue to build all the programs that not only work to excel in competition but also represent the heart and spirit of the surrounding communities.”
Harris is a native of Kenmare, N.D., where he was a five-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, golf, baseball and track. He went on to compete as a Mystic dual-sport athlete, playing basketball and baseball. He completed his basketball career at Minot State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in business education in 1995.
Harris becomes the fifth person to lead the athletic department in its more than 60-year history, succeeding Myron Schulz (2021-present), Buster Gillis (1999-2021), Ed Kringstad (1968-1999) and Henry “Woody” Wilson (1965-1968). Schulz’s last full-time day with BSC is Jan. 2, 2026.
Harris will remain the women’s basketball head coach at BSC.