The University of Texas Permian Basin
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Scott Larson giving a speech

Meet the VP of Athletics

Leading Falcon Athletics

Scott Larson serves as the Vice President for Athletics at The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB), overseeing 14 sports programs and a team of 50 full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff. He leads all aspects of athletic operations, compliance, fundraising, facility development, and student-athlete success.

Scott is a seasoned athletics administrator with over 2 decades of NCAA experience, having previously served as Director of Athletics at two NCAA Division II institutions as well in various NCAA compliance roles throughout the country.

Since joining UTPB, Larson has led several key initiatives, including:

✅ Launching a $1 million annual campaign to support athletics.
✅ Enhancing athletic facilities, including improvements to Roden Field (baseball).
✅ Establishing the UTPB Athletics Hall of Fame to honor past achievements.
✅ Reimagining the athletics compliance program for long-term success.
✅ Maintaining a 3.10 departmental GPA, ensuring academic excellence for student-athletes. 

Extensive NCAA & National Leadership

With over 20 years of NCAA experience, Larson has held compliance and leadership roles at multiple NCAA institutions, including Lubbock Christian University, the University of South Carolina Upstate, UTEP, Northern Arizona University, Gardner-Webb University, the University of Wisconsin, and Arizona State University.

Larson has served on numerous NCAA committees, including:
🔹 NCAA Legislation Committee (Chair)
🔹 NCAA Compliance Think Tank (Legislative Subgroup Chair)
🔹 NCAA Transfer Portal Advisory Group
🔹 NCAA Board of Governors Federal & State Legislation Working Group (NIL)
🔹 NCAA Softball Regional Advisory Committee

He has also contributed to professional organizations, serving as:
🔹 NACDA Executive Committee Member
🔹 NAAC Division II Committee Chair
🔹 Division II Education Program Committee Chair

In 2019, Larson was honored with the prestigious NAAC Division II Excellence Award for his leadership in compliance and athletics administration.

A Student-Athlete Focused Leader 

Scott Larson giving a speechMy favorite part of the job is interacting with and getting to know our student-athletes. They are what drive me to strive for continuous improvement in all that we do……to provide them with the best student-athlete experience that we possibly can.

 

 Through his leadership, Scott Larson continues to elevate UTPB Athletics, ensuring student-athletes thrive in both academics and competition.

Fun Facts about Scott Larson

Lightning round:  

    • Favorite book: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
    • Favorite movie: Arlington Road
    • Favorite Sitcom: The Big Bang Theory
    • Favorite music: Country
    • Favorite food: Chips & Salsa/Queso

When you aren’t working, what can we catch you doing?
Playing golf, hanging out with my wife, or watching my son play sports

What do you value most about UTPB?
The comradery with those that I work.

What do you like most about West Texas?
The people

What advice would you give your college self?
Enjoy it. The real world comes at you fast.

What is your favorite sports memory?

  1. Watching my son throw a perfect game in his first varsity baseball start.
  2. LCU winning the women’s basketball championship in their first year of post-season eligibility.
  3. Watching that Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs win World Series/Super Bowl Championships recently after incredibly long droughts.