SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Augustana Vice President for Athletics Josh Morton has announced the promotion of Andy Thurston to Assistant Athletics Director for Communications. Thurston will oversee all communications, video and creative content for Augustana Athletics.
 
"We have such a great story to tell about Augustana student-athletes and we're excited to have Andy lead the team that is sharing those stories," said Josh "Our athletics department communications team has set a great standard and I look forward to the continued elevation of their work on behalf of Augustana."
 
Thurston joined Augustana as Assistant Director of Communications in August of 2023. Over the course of the 2023-24 academic year, he served as the primary contact for cross country, volleyball, women's basketball, wrestling and baseball while working closely with the publications of Augustana's 22 athletic programs. He was also part of a communications staff that saw Augustana's largest year-long social media growth since 2019.

He spearheaded the promotion for baseball's first ever National Player of the Year, Jack Hines, and helped execute the communication and media relations plan for the hiring of head women's basketball coach Nate Vogel. 

He is an active member of College Sport Communicators and also serves on the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association regional ranking committees. 
 
Thurston earned his bachelor's degree in sports management from North Dakota State in 2020 and his master's degree in physical education, teaching and coaching from SMSU in 2023. He currently resides in Sioux Falls.