CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has announced a new partnership with Dynamik Athletics, a creative strategy and consulting firm specializing in brand development, media strategy, and leadership support for collegiate athletics.
The collaboration represents a pivotal step in advancing the A-R-C’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, beginning with the development of a new football bowl game concept that celebrates the region’s football excellence, expands the conference’s storytelling reach, and strengthens its connection with today’s student-athletes and fans.
“The American Rivers Conference is committed to continuing its evolution as a leader within Division III,” said A-R-C Commissioner Marie Stroman. “Partnering with Dynamik brings structure, creativity, and fresh perspective to our strategic goals—ensuring the conference’s story is shared with clarity, consistency, and impact.”
Dynamik will work alongside A-R-C leadership to:
- Develop and position the conference’s inaugural postseason bowl game, including event identity, venue evaluation, and distribution strategy;
- Establish a modern content and media framework that elevates the A-R-C’s digital presence across platforms and connects directly with fans, alumni, and prospective student-athletes; and
- Refresh and expand the conference’s brand guide to provide unified standards for facilities, uniforms, awards, and storytelling across all member institutions.
“The A-R-C has one of the most forward-thinking leadership teams in college athletics,” said Kolby Paxton, Founder of Dynamik Athletics. “Our role is to help translate that vision into tangible progress — from event creation and distribution strategy to creative consistency and digital engagement that connects with fans, alumni, and the next generation of student-athletes.”
The partnership aims to position the American Rivers Conference for long-term growth, innovation, and visibility within Division III athletics, beginning with a suite of foundational projects to be unveiled later this academic year.
About Dynamik Athletics
Dynamik Athletics is a creative strategy studio and consulting firm that partners with college conferences, athletic departments, and sports organizations to elevate brand identity, media strategy, and fan engagement. Founded by Kolby Paxton, Dynamik helps its partners connect creativity with structure — turning vision into sustainable growth.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
