Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson joined Northwestern University in August 2024 and serves as the Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, providing leadership for 21 varsity programs, more than 500 student-athletes, and the University’s recreational and intramural programs.

Jackson has helped guide the Wildcats to four national championships, a national runner-up finish, and multiple conference championship appearances, while continuing to elevate the academic and competitive standards of the department.

Prior to Northwestern, Jackson served as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Villanova University. Under his leadership, Villanova captured 38 conference championships and two NCAA men’s basketball national titles, establishing the Wildcats as one of the nation’s premier athletic programs.

Across his career, Jackson has championed initiatives that advance academic achievement, fundraising growth, and long-term student-athlete development, all anchored by his core mission: to graduate complete student-athletes.

Jackson brings extensive leadership experience from previous roles at USC and Syracuse University, as well as professional experience with the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders.

A former student-athlete at Colby College, Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in public policy from Trinity College. He and his wife, Tricia, are the parents of four children: Grace, Hannah, Kevin and Sean.