Rob Nielson became Athletic Director at Snow College in November 2010. In the fall of 2012 he also took on the responsibility of head men’s basketball coach.
“I am excited to be at Snow College. I see great potential for the athletics and other programs at Snow. I enjoy working with the coaches, faculty, staff and students as it takes all of us working together to find success for each student,” Nielson said. “I think it is important for us to give back to our communities. We continue to develop programs with local schools where the athletes have a chance to interact with the young people of our region.”
Nielson started his collegiate career at Ricks College where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and met his future wife, Kathy Maddox. They married after graduation and moved to Hawaii where he continued his education and athletic career at BYU-Hawaii. Nielson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Business.
Nielson then moved to St. George, Utah, to start his coaching career at Dixie College. After three years at Dixie, he attended Utah State where he earned a master’s degree in physical education. He then returned to Hawaii where he taught physical education and coached basketball.
For two years, Nielson continued his coaching career at the University of Iowa and worked on an Athletic Administration degree. He then returned for another two years at BYU-Hawaii.
For 11 years Nielson was at Mt. Hood Community College, where he was an instructor, coach and served as an administrator.
Nielson has traveled to New Zealand, Korea, China, Mexico and Canada to put on coaching and player clinics. He has built relationships with colleges and other citizens everywhere he has been.
Nielson enjoys working at two-year colleges to help develop students who may not be able to attend universities. His motivation is to see these students succeed and instill in them the belief that they can earn university degrees. Nielson says, “The measure of success for me as a coach and administrator has been the number of student-athletes that were able to continue their education at a four-year program after completing two years at a junior college.”
Nielson’s education and background has helped him understand the challenges student-athletes face as they begin their journey through the educational process, helping them overcome challenges and push them to develop a winning attitude.
Through all these adventures, the Nielson’s have raised four boys who have all been very active in the athletic world and enjoyed the opportunities that have come to them as they have lived all over the country.
