Guest Speaker, Mark W. Jackson
Director of Athletics, Villanova University
Profile in Augustinian Leadership
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Celebration of Mass ~ 4:30 PM St. Patrick's Cathedral (Lady Chapel) Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
Cocktail Reception ~ 6:00-8:30 PM The Terrace Club
25 West 51st Street (off Fifth Avenue)
New York, New York
Proceeds to benefit the Augustinian Formation Program
In his third year as Villanova University Director of Athletics, Jackson is responsible for providing executive leadership, strategic direction and oversight for all of Villanova’s 24 varsity sports and more than 550 student-athletes. As part of the university’s senior leadership, Jackson is a member of the President’s Cabinet and is the direct liaison between the Athletic Department and the broader campus community.
In just two years at the reigns of the Wildcats athletics program, Jackson has overseen a national championship in men’s basketball, an individual national title in men’s cross country, six BIG EAST team titles and six teams who have advanced to national postseason play.
Jackson has played a key role in the record growth of the Villanova Athletic Fund with the opening of the Andrew J. Talley Athletic Center in November 2016 followed by groundbreaking in May 2017 of a comprehensive renovation to the Pavilion. He is currently the chair of the BIG EAST Athletic Directors Committee and the Big Five Athletic Directors Committee, as well as the Co-Chair of the Collegiate Sports Summit for Athletic Directors.
Jackson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and received his bachelor’s degree in government from Colby College in 1995 where he played defensive back. He also received a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College in 1997.