A Legacy in Focus: Dr. Nathan Lebsock and the DSU Connection
Dr. Nathan Lebsock’s '11 academic and career journey mirrors that of his father, Dr. Jeff Lebsock '83, in many ways. Both embarked on successful academic, athletic, and career paths at Dickinson State University (DSU), where they left a legacy as Hall of Fame athletes.
Nathan’s Journey
A graduate of Frenchtown High School in Montana, Nathan earned his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University. He now practices in Missoula, working alongside his father at Lebsock Eye Care.
Nathan’s athletic achievements at DSU are impressive: a three-time All-Dakota Athletic Conference selection, two-time honorable mention NAIA All-American, Dakota Athletic Conference MVP, second-team All-American as a senior, and school record holder for 3-pointers. He also earned Academic All-American honors three times and was a Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program scholar.
“Coach Orton (former DSU men’s basketball coach, current DSU Heritage Foundation Executive Director and acting DSU president Ty Orton) reached out, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to give back,” Nathan recalls. “My brother, Brian, played basketball with me at DSU, and I met my wife Mekenzie '11 there, and we got married just before our senior year. We have strong ties to DSU, so this scholarship lets us show our gratitude for everything the university has given us.”
Nathan’s contributions don’t stop there. He and Mekenzie also support another scholarship created in partnership with his former DSU basketball teammates, which has been helping students for the past three years.
The Family Legacy: Jeff’s Journey
A graduate of Fairview High School in Montana, Jeff also had a standout athletic career at DSU, excelling in football, baseball, and track. Jeff earned his Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University and founded Lebsock Eye Care in Missoula, where Nathan would later join him.
A DSU Hall of Fame inductee in 2005, Jeff was a three-sport athlete. His achievements include being an NAIA All-America defensive back, two-time all-conference and all-district free safety, and a three-year baseball player. He also competed in track, excelling in long jump and triple jump during his senior year.
Giving Back: The Lebsock Family Scholarship
Beyond their professional collaboration, the father-son pair shares a commitment to giving back. They jointly fund the Lebsock Family Annual Scholarship, supporting DSU basketball student-athletes pursuing biology-related studies with plans to attend graduate school.
Nathan never felt pressured to follow in his father’s footsteps, despite their similar paths. “Dad always encouraged me to choose a place where I could get a good education and, if I wanted, play sports,” he says. A highlight of Nathan’s collegiate experience was playing three seasons alongside his brother, Brian, who transferred to DSU after spending his freshman year at Concordia College.
Reflecting on DSU
Reflecting on his time at DSU, Nathan says, “The years I spent at Dickinson State were among the best of my life. If we can give back a little to someone else who is currently attending DSU, it would be a win for all of us.”
By: Scooter Pursley, DSU Heritage Foundation Communication Specialist