Ty Orton, Dickinson State men’s basketball coach, instructor in the department of health and physical education, and Blue Hawk Booster club membership coordinator, announced his resignation today after seven years with the university. The resignation is effective May 15, 2014. Orton has accepted a position with the Dickinson State University Alumni and Foundation (Foundation) as associate director of fundraising.

During his time at DSU, Orton led the Blue Hawks to an 89-113 record. In his second season at the helm he helped guide the Blue Hawks to a 17-13 mark, the team’s first winning record in four years, resulting in a playoff appearance. Orton also coordinated Blue Hawk Booster club membership and annual giving.

Prior to joining Dickinson State, Orton was the head basketball coach at McCook Community College for five seasons. Before McCook he was an assistant coach at Otero Junior College for four seasons.

Dickinson State will conduct an open search for a new coach, with the hope of having a new coach in place within the coming months.

"We are sad to see Ty depart. He has been a tremendous asset, not only as a coach, but also in his work in the classroom and with the Booster club. We want to thank Ty for his dedication and service to Dickinson State over the past seven years," Director of Athletics Tim Daniel said. "We are grateful for his accomplishments and the impact he has made here. We wish him well as he moves on to the next phase of his career."

During his time as coordinator of annual giving for the Blue Hawk Boosters organization, Orton was highly successful in working with Blue Hawk Booster volunteers to raise community awareness and support for Blue Hawk athletic programs. In his first year giving was approximately $120,000. By 2013, the giving to benefit student athletes had grown to more than $325,000 annually.

"DSU is a tremendous university and I look forward to my continued involvement with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends in my new position" Orton said. "The transition from coaching to fundraising allows me to further explore a new career while continuing to support the programs and students at DSU." Orton’s interactions with the Foundation while acting as a liaison between the Foundation and the Blue Hawk Boosters were positive. It was in this role that Orton developed and enhanced his skills related to fundraising and became interested in fundraising full-time.

"Ty enjoys fundraising and this expanded, dedicated role with the DSU Foundation will be a win-win for all," said Kevin Thompson, CEO for the Foundation. "Ty knows and promotes the value of Dickinson State University, he will be a great addition to our staff."

Orton will finish the academic year in his current position at Dickinson State University and will begin his new position with the Foundation on May 19, 2014. This year, the Foundation will award more than $1 million in scholarship support to Dickinson State University students.

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