Hesston College names Andrew Sharp as new athletic director

Hesston College has announced Andrew Sharp will serve as the institution’s next athletic director, bringing more than two decades of experience at the college into the leadership role.

Sharp has spent his entire professional career at Hesston College, serving in a variety of roles including admissions counselor, sports information director, adjunct faculty member, softball head coach, assistant athletic director and, most recently, development officer for the past seven years.

President Mark Landes says Sharp’s long-standing connection to the college and passion for student success made him a natural choice for the position.

“I am pleased to announce that Andy Sharp has accepted our offer to be Hesston College’s next athletic director,” Landes shares. “Andy can articulate the Hesston Experience as well as anyone I have met and has a true passion for seeing students succeed at Hesston College.”

Sharp is a graduate of Hesston College and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Millersville (Pa.) University. He also holds a Master of Education in sports administration from Wichita State University and a master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska Kearney.

As athletic director, Sharp will guide the continued growth of the Larks’ athletic programs as HC grows into its new normal in four-year athletics.

“I look forward to working across campus as we all seek to uphold our mission statement,” Sharp says. “HC has long identified itself as a student-centered institution, and I am excited for the chance to advocate for our students, and our coaches, who are significant stakeholders in the student experience.”

Sharp says the college’s move to NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) competition presents opportunities for stronger relationships with peer institutions and continued development of the athletic program.

“The move to NAIA is a ‘coming home’ moment in many ways for Hesston College,” Sharp says. “We have always been a small, private, faith-based institution, and the NAIA includes many schools with similar size and mission. Competing in that environment feels like a natural fit for HC athletics.”

Sharp will begin transitioning into the role immediately as current athletic director Bryan Kehr prepares to retire at the end of the academic year.

Kehr has served Hesston College since 2010 in numerous roles including women’s soccer head coach, physical education instructor and intramurals director, while also assisting with softball and contributing to the classroom as a biblical literature group leader and grader.

He stepped into the role of interim athletic director in 2020 and was named athletic director in 2021, guiding Lark athletics through a significant period of growth and transformation. During his tenure, Hesston expanded its athletic offerings with the addition of powerlifting, esports and club sports including disc golf and dance, while also launching junior varsity teams in men’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball and baseball. Kehr also played a key role in leading the department’s transition from NJCAA competition to membership in the NAIA and the move to four-year athletics, positioning Lark athletics for continued growth in the years ahead.