Northwestern College Athletics

Gary Richardson is entering his seventh season as an assistant coach for the Red Raider women's basketball program, and second under Kristin Rotert, in 2022-23. Richardson is the dean of the Graduate School & Adult Learning (GSAL), after serving as the interim dean. 

"It is an honor to be able to work with the student athletes at Northwestern College and to assist the program," said Richardson. "Although we work in a competitive arena, living our lives in a way that honors God, sustains us, as we use our gifts for His glory."

Prior to joining the staff at Northwestern, Richardson spent 20 years as a high school boys' head coach. In addition to those years, he also spent four seasons being the head coach on the girls' side. In 2014, Richardson was honored as the Class 3A State of Iowa Coach of the Year. During his time coaching at MOC-Floyd Valley, he led the girls team to a 3A State Title.

In his role on the academic side of campus, he ensures that programs address the needs of adult learners in both face-to-face and online environments. He also serves as a professor of practice for the M.Ed. program. With nearly 35 years of educational administration experience, he has worked as a consultant and leadership coach for School Administrators of Iowa and as superintendent for the MOC-Floyd Valley, West Sioux, and Harris-Lake Park school districts. Since joining the GSAL division in 2017, he has served as a professor of practice and director for Northwestern's Master of Education program, helped develop the college's graduate internship programs, and overseen the principal licensure program.

Richardson is a University of Northern Iowa graduate (1978) with a degree in Education. He went on to get his Masters degree from Drake University in Educational Administration and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Iowa State University. 

Gary Richardson is married to his wife, Brenda. His family includes five children and ten grandchildren. In his free time, Richardson enjoys playing golf or being with his family.