For alumnus Ron Lievense Jr., the journey to Normandale Community College began long before he ever enrolled as a student. It started with his father, who was recruited by the college’s early leadership to build its athletic program from the ground up. Serving as athletic director and head basketball coach, his father laid the foundation for what would become a proud tradition, one that deeply shaped both family and future.
Growing up in Bloomington, he didn’t just visit campus, he lived it. As the son of a coach, his childhood was spent in gymnasiums, at practices, on recruiting trips, and traveling to games. Normandale wasn’t just a workplace for his father; it was a second home. Adding to that legacy, his uncle, Fred Moyer, built a formidable football program at the college, while family member Nancy Graves would later serve the institution as well. Normandale became woven into the fabric of Ron’s family’s identity.
When it came time for college, choosing Normandale felt natural, but it was also intentional. As a graduate of Bloomington Jefferson High School, he recognized the need for academic growth and personal development. Normandale provided both. At the same time, it offered something even more meaningful: the chance to play basketball for his father. That experience, competing under his dad’s guidance, fulfilled a lifelong dream and became one of the most treasured chapters of his life.
After Normandale, his path continued with purpose. He transferred to University of Northwestern-St. Paul, initially feeling called toward youth ministry. But his passion for basketball and mentoring young people led him to University of St. Thomas, where he completed his degree in physical education and coaching. He later earned his master’s degree while serving as a graduate assistant coach at Winona State University.
That combination of faith, education, and athletics launched a coaching career defined by impact. His first full-time role took him to Averett University in Virginia, followed by positions at Campbell University and St. Andrews University. Ultimately, he found a long-term home at Barton College, where his career culminated in both professional success and personal fulfillment.
While at Barton, he achieved one of the pinnacle moments in collegiate athletics, leading his team to the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, a victory made even more meaningful as it came against his alma mater, Winona State. Yet for him, the wins and accolades were never the true measure of success. His mission remained constant: to invest in the lives of young men and help shape their futures.
That same sense of purpose guided his personal life. During his sophomore year at Normandale, he met a fellow student, Darla VonStocken. What began as a chance encounter in a history class grew into a lifelong partnership. Now married for over 45 years, Darla has been a steadfast supporter through the many moves and demands of a coaching career. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service, raising three daughters, most of whom now call Wilson home.
On January 28, 2026, Barton College dedicated Ron Lievense Court at Wilson Gym, honoring Ron’s 29-year run as a mentor at Barton. In his career, Lievense guided Barton to a 518-314 mark including 10 seasons of 20 more wins. Along with lead the Bulldogs to the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship, he also led the team to six Conference Carolinas regular season championships, four league regular season titles and seven berths in the NCAA Division II Playoffs including back-to-back regional titles (2006 and 2007). Lievense was named the 2007 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coach of the Year as well.
Now in retirement, his commitment to people remains unchanged. After decades of working seven days a week in college athletics, he now embraces a slower pace, while still finding ways to stay connected and engaged with others. Reflecting on his journey, he credits Normandale as a transformative force. It was the place where he grew academically, matured personally, and discovered the path that would define his life. It was also where he met his wife, a moment he calls one of the greatest blessings of his life.
His advice to today’s students is simple but powerful: pursue education with purpose. Degrees, he emphasizes, are more than credentials, they represent discipline, ambition, and growth. “No one can take that away from you,” he often tells his players. From a childhood spent on the sidelines to a career spent leading from the bench, his story is a testament to the enduring impact of faith, family, mentorship, and education. And at the heart of it all is Normandale, a place that didn’t just shape his future but helped define his life.
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