Mark Jackson, Villanova’s athletic director with decades of sports administration experience, has been named Northwestern University’s new Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation, President Michael Schill announced Thursday.
Jackson will begin Sept. 1, splitting time between Evanston and suburban Philadelphia in September as he wraps up remaining responsibilities at Villanova.
“I am extremely grateful to President Schill and Board of Trustees Chair Peter Barris for the incredible opportunity and privilege to join the Northwestern family, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the members of the search committee as well for their time and efforts,” Jackson said. “Northwestern University is world-class in all of its endeavors and its mission, values and pursuit of excellence in academics and athletics are not only aligned with my beliefs and approach but are a model for intercollegiate athletics.
“I cannot wait to engage with Wildcat student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty, alumni and fans, and my family and I look forward to wearing the Purple!”
Jackson was chosen after a nationwide search that culminated in the search committee interviewing a diverse set of highly qualified candidates. TurnkeyZRG assisted with the search.
Schill applauded Jackson for his record of effective strategic leadership and passion for student-athlete success.
“Mark has been extraordinarily successful at Villanova in supporting students’ athletic and academic achievements. After talking to him, I trust that he will prioritize the welfare of our student-athletes and give them the support they need to succeed,” Schill said. “I am fully confident in Mark’s ability to lead Northwestern Athletics to new heights and am excited to see how he will transform our program.”
Jackson was named Villanova’s director of athletics in September 2015 and earned a promotion to vice president in January 2020, overseeing 24 varsity programs with more than 600 student-athletes, plus intramural and recreational programs. Under his leadership, Villanova Athletics has seen 14 of its varsity sports programs compete in their respective NCAA tournaments, including the men’s basketball team celebrating two national championships (2016, 2018). Villanova has won 34 conference championships during Jackson’s tenure. The women’s swimming and diving team won its 10th consecutive Big East Conference title in February 2023, and the Villanova Wildcats also have captured conference crowns in football and softball as well as men’s and women’s cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field.
Jackson was named a winner of the Under Armour AD of the Year Award in 2020 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). He has led initiatives to encourage student-athletes to reach new academic goals and spurred growth through fundraising and development efforts.
Kelly Amonte Hiller, the Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach, served on the search committee and said she was immediately impressed by Jackson.
“Northwestern was so fortunate to have a slate of candidates for this critical role that clearly understood the academic and athletic mission of our University,” Amonte Hiller said.“I am very confident that everyone on campus will immediately recognize the energy, passion and vision for Northwestern athletics that Mark displayed throughout the interview process. Our student athletes, coaches, alumni and entire community will benefit from Mark’s experience, his commitment to relationship building and his ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.”
Northwestern trustee Milton “Chip” Morris ’92, ’04 MBA served as chair of the search committee. He said the confidential search attracted an incredible group of interested candidates from across the country, but Jackson rose to the top of the list. Morris praised Jackson’s experience.
“Mark brings a unique combination of experience, values, and rigor that resonated strongly with the search committee. We thank President Schill for appointing a committee representing a broad set of stakeholders, including coaches and faculty, and I was honored to lead the committee’s work for this important post for Northwestern,” Morris said. “We believe in Mark’s ability to build on the success and momentum of our student-athletes and coaches during a period of great change in college sports to ensure Northwestern athletics continues to represent the excellence of our great institution.”
Board of Trustees Chair Peter Barris ’74 said the appointment of Jackson is pivotal for Northwestern.
“It is critical to the success of the University that our Department of Athletics and Recreation succeeds across multiple dimensions in a rapidly evolving environment,” Barris said. “Mark Jackson will be an outstanding leader to carry us into the next era of Northwestern excellence in our athletically and academically excellent department. I want to thank my fellow Board members who served on the search advisory committee to help bring this search to a successful conclusion.”
The search committee included Morris, Amonte Hiller, history professor Geraldo Cadava, who chairs Northwestern’s Committee on Athletics and Recreation, trustees Kip Kirkpatrick ’94, ’97 MBA, Wendy Nelson '91, '99 MBA and Pat Ryan, Jr. ’97 JD, MBA, and Julie Allen, secretary to the Board and advisor to the President.
Jackson succeeds Dr. Derrick Gragg, who now moves into a new role as Northwestern’s Vice President for Athletic Strategy. Gragg will focus on the University’s approach to a changing college athletics landscape and advise President Schill and his administration in how to navigate the future.
Jackson steps into the role during a period of tremendous athletic and academic success for the Wildcats and supports two of the University’s key priorities — enhancing the student experience and building resilient students and a sense of belonging.
Northwestern’s field hockey and lacrosse programs have had sustained success including recent national championships; the men’s basketball program reached the NCAA Tournament for the second and third times in school history; the softball team won the Big Ten regular season crown in back-to-back seasons; and the 2023 football team became the talk of the country with a 7-5 regular season record and bowl win. The Wildcats captured a school record seven conference championships during the 2023-24 academic year.
In the classroom, Northwestern’s most recent overall 98% graduation success rate (GSR) is tied for the top mark across all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions. Northwestern's overall 98% GSR matches the department's and Big Ten's all-time record.
Before taking the helm at Villanova, Jackson served as senior associate director of athletics and chief innovation officer at University of Southern California and as executive senior associate athletic director at Syracuse University. He oversaw capital projects, fundraising campaigns and varsity program operations and development.
He has previous experience at the professional level with the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots, serving as Director of Football Development with Oakland from 2007 to 2008 and as a coaching assistant with New England for three seasons from 1998 to 2000.
Jackson was born in Boston, Mass. He was a student-athlete at Colby College in Waterville, Maine where he played defensive back for the Mules. He received his bachelor’s degree in government from Colby and a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College. Jackson and his wife, Tricia, are parents to four children: Grace, Hannah, Kevin and Sean.
Additional quotes about Jackson’s appointment
“Mark Jackson is a game changer for Northwestern,” said Pete Carroll, who serves as an advisor to the Seattle Seahawks and formerly served as head coach for Seattle and at USC. “He will lead with strength and creativity, and he brings great background and proven leadership.”
“Mark Jackson is a dynamic and visionary leader,” said Jay Wright, former men’s basketball coach at Villanova. “He's authentic in his relationships and commands respect and trust from all of his coaches. He and Trish were the lifeblood of our athletic department. We will miss them, and we wish them well.”
“Mark combines a unique mix of success and experience both in professional and collegiate sports as well as a sharp understanding of the expectations of elite academic profiles,” said Bill Belichick, former head coach of the New England Patriots. “I look forward to Mark’s impact with Northwestern.”
