DICKINSON, N.D. — Dickinson State has named alumnus Rob Stanton the next head coach of the Blue Hawk men's and women's track and field programs.
Stanton returns to Dickinson State after more than three decades as an educator and coach in Montana, including a lengthy tenure at Billings West High School. He brings championship experience in track and field and football along with deep ties to Dickinson State as a former standout student-athlete.
"Rob Stanton's return to Dickinson State University is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes and our entire university community," Dickinson State President Scott Molander said. "Rob knows what it means to be a Blue Hawk—he experienced it firsthand as a standout student-athlete, and he understands the tradition, pride and excellence that make Dickinson State special. His coaching experience and passion for developing young people make him an excellent fit to lead our track and field program. We are excited to welcome Rob home and look forward to the energy, leadership and success he will bring to Blue Hawk track and field."
Stanton spent 23 seasons as the head boys and girls track and field coach at Billings West from 2002-25. During his tenure, the Golden Bears won six boys state championships and two girls state titles while regularly finishing among the top teams in Montana.
His success earned him multiple Montana Coaches Association Boys and Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year honors. Stanton was inducted into the Montana Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2020.
In addition to his track and field experience, Stanton has served as the head football coach at Billings West since 2015. He led the Golden Bears to the 2018 Montana Class AA state championship and multiple state championship game appearances. Before joining Billings West, Stanton spent nine years in the Miles City School District, where he coached football, basketball and track and field.
Stanton will complete his final fall at Billings West before transitioning to Dickinson State.
"I am extremely honored and excited to be named the new Track & Field Coach at Dickinson State University," Stanton said. "As a DSU alumni, I know how special this college & community is. I'm grateful for the opportunity. Go Blue Hawks!"
Stanton's return also brings one of the most accomplished football players in Dickinson State history back to campus. A running back for the Blue Hawks from 1988-91, Stanton earned NAIA All-America honors twice during his collegiate career.
Stanton was inducted into the Dickinson State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
A Baker, Montana, native, Stanton earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences and health enhancement from Dickinson State in 1993. He later earned a master's degree in school administration from Montana State University in 2000.
