University of Jamestown Names Brian Mistro Athletic Director; Tom Dosch Named Head Football Coach

The University of Jamestown announced today that Brian Mistro, a University of Jamestown alumnus and current head football coach, has been named Athletic Director. As part of the leadership transition, current associate head coach Tom Dosch will assume the role of UJ head football coach, a position he last held in 2007. 

Together, the appointments represent more than a change in leadership. They reflect the university’s commitment to investing in leaders who understand its mission, values, and community—and who have dedicated themselves to helping students grow both on and off the field. 

“Brian’s passion and commitment for the University of Jamestown is unwavering. We’ve always known that about him. It’s who he is,” said University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson. “He arrived here as a student-athlete, grew into a leader on this campus, and has spent his career investing in the lives of his athletes—not just as football players but as wholistic young men.” 

“We have every confidence that he will now provide that same passion and commitment to character development for our entire student athletic body, coaches and staff,” she continued. “At the same time, we are leaving our football program in the best possible hands in Coach Dosch, a former NSIC coach of the year and presider over one of UJ’s most successful eras of football.” 

Mistro graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2009 having become both a team captain and two-year starter at safety for the Jimmies. The native of Gilbert, Arizona was coached by Dosch during his first three seasons on campus and was enshrined into UJ’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024 along with Dosch as a member of the NAIA national playoff-bound 2007 Jimmie football team. 

Mistro and Dosch would later connect again at Northern State University in Aberdeen, where Mistro earned a Master of Science in Education, Teaching, and Learning in 2012 while serving as a graduate assistant to Dosch and the Wolves. Following his stint in South Dakota, Mistro spent seven years as an assistant coach at Concordia College in Moorhead, before being named head football coach of the Jimmies in 2019. 

Mistro is currently pursuing a Doctor of Leadership degree at the University of Jamestown, his latest chapter of building a culture centered on character, accountability, service, and excellence. 

Known for his passion, energy, and deep commitment to students, Mistro has long viewed coaching as an opportunity to shape lives. His influence extends well beyond the football field, reaching classrooms, campus events, community service projects, and countless conversations with students navigating challenges and opportunities alike. 

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve the University of Jamestown in this new role,” said Mistro. “This institution has shaped my life in countless ways. The people here invested in me as a student and helped me become the person I am today. I believe strongly in the mission of this university and the impact athletics can have on the lives of students. I look forward to serving our coaches, staff, and student-athletes as we continue building something special together.” 

Mistro assumes leadership of the athletic department during an exciting period in university history as Jimmie Athletics continues to build momentum as a member of NCAA Division II and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. 

As Athletic Director, he will serve on the President’s cabinet and represent all aspects of the university’s athletic programs while championing student success, competitive achievement, and the holistic development of student-athletes. 

Dosch previously served as head football coach from 2004 until 2007. In those four years, he led the Jimmies to 25 wins, one Dakota Athletic Conference championship, and back-to-back appearances in the NAIA playoffs. 

“Tom helped build the foundation of the football program we know today,” Peterson said. “Generations of Jimmies have been influenced by his leadership, and his return to the head coaching role represents both continuity and confidence in the future.” 

Following his success with the Jimmies, Dosch would go on to serve as head football coach at Northern State University for 10 years. From 2010-2019, Dosch led the Wolves to 53 victories. He was named NSIC Coach of the Year in 2014 and led Northern State to a NSIC North Division title in 2015. Dosch also served as an assistant coach for University of North Dakota and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. 

“Tom’s demonstrated time and again that he knows how to win in this league, and at the University of Jamestown we like to say winning matters,” Peterson said. “This is a win for everyone involved, as we commit ourselves to putting our best possible foot forward toward competing at the NCAA level.” 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this program once again,” Dosch said. “The University of Jamestown has always held a special place in my heart. I’m excited to continue the work of developing outstanding young men. And we’re looking forward to playing highly competitive football in the fall.” 

The appointments reflect a shared belief that athletics can be a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong impact. 

“There is something uniquely special about this moment,” Peterson said. “Tom helped shape Brian as a student-athlete and leader. Today, both men continue that work together in new roles. Their shared commitment to our students, our mission, and this university gives me tremendous confidence in the future of Jimmie Athletics.” 

About University of Jamestown 

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor’s level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master’s degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.