Dr. Patrick Wempe begins his 10th year as Henderson State’s faculty athletic representative to the Great American Conference in 2024-25.
Wempe’s duties include all eligibility checks on the Henderson State campus and serving as the institution’s liaison in all GAC and NCAA matters.
Wempe is a 1998 graduate of the University of South Dakota, earning his bachelor’s of science in therapeutic recreation. In 1999, he earned a master’s of science in exercise physiology/cardiac rehabilitation from the University of South Dakota. Wempe also earned his doctorate (Ed.D) from the University of South Dakota in Adult and Higher Education.
Wempe’s dissertation title was “A comparison of the academic progress of student athletes during the semester of competition and non-competition.” Therefore, his professional pursuits have been centered on academic achievement for student success, specifically with student athletes.
Prior to his tenure at Henderson State, Wempe was an Assistant Professor for four years at the University of South Dakota. He has been at Henderson State since Fall 2005. Since then, he has earned the ranks of both Association Professor in 2011 & Full Professor in 2013.
Wempe is the coordinator of recreation within the department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletic Training.
“I have had the opportunity to participate as a student athlete and as a professor in higher education working directly with student athletes," Wempe said. "I am genuinely looking forward to the challenges and success stories in future years. I am humbled for this opportunity to serve the student athletes and Henderson State University.”
