Gordon College announces Jason Linders as the new director of athletics for the Fighting Scots. Linders comes to Gordon with nearly 20 years of experience in sport management at organizations including Chicago State University, Grand Canyon University, University of South Florida and the University of Nevada.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jason Linders to Fighting Scots nation," says President Mike Hammond. "Jason's breadth of experience at several colleges and universities, across different levels—and his passion to compete for excellence—will continue to raise the bar for Gordon Athletics."
Most recently Linders served as the director of athletics and director of operations for the Southbridge Public Schools District in Massachusetts, where he provided leadership for the 25 sports included in the interscholastic athletics program while also serving on the administrative leadership team. During his tenure he helped the district increase performance metrics used by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, including student athlete graduation rate. He led five teams to become Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and Massachusetts School Administrators Association State Championship qualifiers and supported a more than 40 percent increase in community service hours enhancing the overall student athlete experience.
Linders is involved with numerous leadership and professional organizations and is a graduate of the NCAA's Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, the N4A Professional Development Institute (PDI) and TopConnect AD leadership symposium. A former college student-athlete, Linders completed his undergraduate and Master's degrees at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, and is completing his Ph.D. at the University of South Florida.
"We are humbled and honored to be joining the Fighting Scots family at the top Christian college in New England," says Linders. "Gordon College excites me because of the opportunity to work with Christ-centered students, faculty and staff who are purpose-driven. I look forward to working with them to build a department in alignment with the mission of the College, centered around faith, learning, service and leadership, while holistically developing student athletes who are competing in a sport they love!
As a department, we will ensure Athletics is aligned with Gordon's educational mission, we will collaborate with our campus leaders and student body, engage with the Gordon community, and integrate faith and service while we strive to create the best possible student-athlete experience. While we can use Athletics as a platform, our higher purpose is provide our student-athletes with services, programming, and support that fosters comprehensive success (including competing for championships) as they navigate their faith journey with strong academic programming in a Christ-centered, inclusive environment that empowers their passion and prepares them for a life of purpose and service.
I want to thank President Hammond, Dean Welty Peachey and the search committee members, as well as Interim Director of Athletics BrianLane, who were all an integral part of the search process and onboarding. I look forward to serving our student-athletes, coaches, and staff as we build excitement, pride, and engagement in Gordon College Athletics with the campus community, our Fighting Scots alumni, and throughout New England."
Linders will lead Gordon's 24 varsity NCAA DIII teams in the mission of discipling student athletes toward excellence in athletics, character and commitment to Christ while equipping them for service and leadership—all in the pursuit of victory. He joins the Fighting Scots following the retirement of longtime athletic director Jonathan Tymann '83 in the summer of 2023 after 31 years of service to the College. Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Brian Lane '15 has served as interim athletic director for the past seven months.
"In hiring Jason Linders as their next director of athletics, Gordon College landed an outstanding administrator and tireless advocate for student athletes," says Commonwealth Coast Conference chair Patrick Colbert. "I have had the privilege of working with Jason when he served in key leadership roles at other institutions, and it was always clear to me that he is always looking to learn and evolve as a leader, and I have no doubt that he will bring a fresh perspective to our Conference as we continue to elevate our brand during these dynamic times in Division III and higher education."
"I look forward to serving our student athletes, coaches and staff as we build pride and engagement in Gordon College Athletics among the campus community, our Fighting Scots alumni and throughout New England," says Linders.
What They're Saying About Linders:
Craig Angelos, Director of Athletics, University of Hawai'i at Manoa
"I have known Jason for several years and he has really distinguished himself as is a real star in intercollegiate athletics. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to connect with the student-athletes. His talent, passion, and loyalty are unmatched. He is kind and genuine and really cares about people. And, last, but certainly not least, he is very good at what he does. Gordon College is getting a great addition to their program."
Bill McGillis, Former Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics, University of San Diego
"What a terrific hire and match. Jason Linders is an outstanding leader, a highly accomplished and capable professional and a wonderful advocate for students and coaches. He is a winner in every sense of the word, and he will be a tremendous addition to Gordon College. The depth and breadth of experience Jason brings in nearly every facet of intercollegiate athletics administration will be of immense value to the college and program. He is all in on Gordon College. Jason has shared with me his passion for this opportunity, and he is excited about the future of Fighting Scots Athletics."
Marlon Edge, Associate Commissioner – Compliance and Governance, Western Athletic Conference
"Gordon College has hired an exceptional athletics administrator in Jason Linders. Jason is a person of high character whose experience, integrity and leadership ability will, without a doubt, help lead Gordon Athletics to new heights of success. He will have an immediate positive impact on the student-athletes and the Gordon Athletics community overall. I am excited to see Jason work with Patrick Colbert again and I look forward to watching him grow that program."
Elliott Charles, Deputy Athletics Director, Long Island University (former Chicago State Director of Athletics)
"Jason's leadership as part of our executive team was invaluable. His track record of success related to academic support, student-athlete services, and graduation success was an incredible asset towards the growth of our sport programs."
