(Updated on 7/15/19)
Dr. Gary Karner is entering his 24th year in 2019-20 as the commissioner of the WIAC, a Division III conference consisting of eight institutions from within the University of Wisconsin System.
During his tenure as commissioner, the WIAC has solidified its status as the premier Division III conference in the country as evidenced by the 76 NCAA National Championships the conference has captured over the past 23 years.
Prior to becoming the commissioner of the WIAC, Karner spent nearly eight years with the NCAA national office. During his tenure with the NCAA, he played a key role in the development of the institutional compliance review process as well as the NCAA Division I Athletic Certification Program. He also served as a NCAA liaison to a number of NCAA committees, the PAC-10, Big Sky, WAC and Big West conferences, as well as the College Football Association.
Karner also spent nearly 13 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Wisconsin and Colorado. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Stevens Point in 1975 and his master’s and doctorate from UW-Madison in 1978 and 1984, respectively.
Karner has served as the president of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) as well as on the executive committee of the NCAA Division III Commissioner’s Association. His service includes membership on the NCAA Interpretations and Legislation Committee, the NADIIIAA Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee, and the NCAA Division III Baseball Committee. Karner was selected as an Outstanding Commissioner-of-the-Year by the All-American Football Foundation in 2007. He is also the 2011 recipient of the DIII Commissioner’s Association Meritorious Service Award, as well as the Distinguished Service Award from the NADIIIAA in 2003 and 2011.
Karner resides in Sun Prairie, Wis. with his son, Sam.