He has professional certifications in athletic training (ATC), strength & conditioning (CSCS), personal training (NSCA-CPT), and in fitness nutrition (FNS). His men’s and women’s cross country teams have won a combined 18 conference championships and he has been named Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year a combined 12 times. Severson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota–Morris and his master’s from Adams State College. He and his wife Tara are the proud parents of six children.