Butch Raymond, the fourth full-time commissioner in the history of the league, began his tenure at the league office in the spring of 2004.
Raymond came to the NSIC from Southwest Minnesota State University, where he served as director of athletics and associate director of development since 1997. While at Southwest Minnesota State, Raymond was responsible for all activities, budgeting, fund raising, marketing and promotions, compliance and day-to-day operations of 10 varsity sports as well as the overall athletics department. Raymond was also chair of the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee.
During Raymond’s time at Southwest Minnesota State, the Mustang athletics department enjoyed prosperity on and off the playing field. SMSU athletic teams won 11 Northern Sun Conference Championships, with 10 of the championships coming in the last four years. Seven SMSU athletic teams qualified for NCAA post-season play in the last four years, including the 2001 SMSU men’s basketball team which captured the North Central Region title and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight. In the classroom, SMSU student-athletes recorded program-high grade point averages during Raymond’s tenure.
Prior to his stay at Southwest Minnesota State, Raymond was the men’s basketball coach at St. Cloud State University. In addition to managing the operations of the men’s basketball program, Raymond served as an associate professor in the school of health, physical education and recreation. Raymond was the all-time winningest coach in St. Cloud State history (231-141) until surpassed by his former assistant and current St. Cloud State Head Coach Kevin Schlagel. Raymond led his team to the North Central Conference Championship in 1986, 1987 and 1988. He was inducted into the St. Cloud State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
Raymond also served as men’s basketball coach and coordinator of intercollegiate athletics at Mankato State University. He coached the basketball team from 1973-84, earning one North Central Conference and one Northern Intercollegiate Conference title. From 1978-82, Raymond coordinated all efforts for the men’s and women’s athletics departments. In addition, he was an associate professor in the school of health, physical education and recreation.
A graduate of Augsburg College, Raymond served as men’s basketball coach and assistant professor at his Alma Mater from 1969-1973. He also held the position of boys basketball coach at Fairmont and Minneapolis Southwest high schools. Raymond earned his master’s degree from Mankato State. Raymond and wife, Linnea, reside in Eagan, Minn.