Rowan University appoints Shawn Tucker as Director of Athletics

Rowan University is proud to announce the appointment of Shawn Tucker, Rutgers University’s vice president of Athletic Development and deputy athletic director, as Rowan’s new director of Athletics. Tucker brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in athletic development, leadership and student support.

"The appointment of Shawn Tucker as our new director of Athletics marks an exciting new chapter for Rowan University,” President Ali Houshmand said. “He brings not only exceptional leadership and experience, but also a compelling vision for how athletics can elevate the student experience and inspire pride across our broader community.  

“We are confident that under his leadership, our athletic programs will continue to thrive—championing excellence, integrity and the enduring spirit of Rowan University."

Tucker has had a major impact on Rutgers through his roles in advancement and student-athlete support. Board of Trustees member and special advisor to the president for athletics Joe Cosgrove said he was proud of the thorough and inclusive process that led us to Tucker’s appointment.

"As chair of the search committee, we sought a visionary leader with the experience, integrity and strategic mindset to guide our athletics program into its next chapter,” Cosgrove said. “In Shawn Tucker, we found someone who not only meets but exceeds those expectations. We are confident that he will enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen community engagement and elevate the profile of Rowan University athletics."

As Rowan’s new director of Athletics, Tucker will serve as the chief administrator for Rowan Athletics, working with the leadership team to enhance policies and procedures that support both competitive athletics and the educational goals of student-athletes. He also will work with University Advancement to broaden alumni, corporate and private giving programs to support student achievement and improve athletic facilities.

“Rowan Athletics has been the gold standard for DIII Athletics in New Jersey and has built a national reputation for consistency in various sports,” said Tucker. “I look forward to working with our students, coaches, staff and leadership team to continue to build Rowan University Athletics into a premier destination for elite student-athletes competing and learning at the highest level.” 

As the Rutgers vice president for Athletic Development, Tucker leads a comprehensive fundraising program that supports athletics’ priorities through engagement and stewardship.

He recently played an instrumental role in securing a $15 million gift—the largest in Rutgers University Athletics history. Tucker plans and manages a campaign that raises approximately $20 million annually through engaging nearly 75,000 Rutgers supporters, including multiple seven-figure gifts and corporate opportunities. He also works directly with NIL partners and the corporate sponsorship team to increase brand visibility and direct student funding for more than 700 student-athletes. 

Tucker joined the Rutgers athletics administrative team in April 2010 as assistant director of student-athlete development. His most significant achievement was the development and launch of the Rutgers Leadership Academy (RLA). 

Through programming and counseling, RLA helps support student-athletes at Rutgers with valuable information and tools to guide decision-making in critical life-shaping areas such as career choice, personal enrichment, leadership, community and civic engagement and professional growth. 

Through RLA, his team offered specialized programs and career, leadership and personal enrichment events for more than 650 student-athletes annually.

Earlier in his career, as associate athletic director of student-athlete development at Rutgers, he also oversaw the Rutgers Athletics Internship Program and helped launch R Care—a program dedicated to providing a comprehensive care and communication system in the areas of academic support, sports medicine, sports performance and the RLA. He had staff oversight in the areas of career enrichment, leadership training, personal development and community engagement.

Between his two most recent appointments at Rutgers, Tucker, from 2018-2022, served as associate vice president and director of Athletics at New Jersey City University. There, he led the transformation of its athletic department, doubling the number of athletics programs to 24 and tripling the number of student athletes.

He also increased private and corporate giving which supported the Rising Knight Institute for student success. Under his leadership, facilities were improved and the department’s operational budget increased by more than 100 percent.

Tucker's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Rowan, a top 100 public research university that has doubled enrollment over the past decade and is ranked as the third fastest growing research university in the nation. During this time of great transformation, Rowan Athletics has grown to become one of the most successful DIII athletic programs in the nation.

Rowan competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC), offering 18 programs. The University has captured 26 NJAC team championships and has had 19 appearances in the NCAA Championships in the last five years. Last year, it was ranked 21st nationally in the Learfield Division III Directors Cup. Rowan Athletics earned its fourth consecutive NJAC cup in 2023-24, making it the most successful program in the NJAC five times over the past six years.

Tucker comes to Rowan after the retirement of Dr. John Giannini, who was athletic director from 2020-2024. Longtime athletic department leaders Penny Kempf and Gabby Lisella served as co-directors during the national search for the new director.

As a former standout wide receiver and team captain for Rutgers Football, Tucker will bring a unique perspective and passion for athletics to Rowan. He was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter for Rutgers and was a key member of two bowl squads, including the 2006 Texas Bowl champions. Tucker earned three Preseason All-BIG EAST honors and had 115 receptions for 1,559 yards and four touchdowns in his career.

Tucker earned a master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers. He earned a pair of Bachelor of Arts degrees in Geography & Labor Studies from Rutgers.

Tucker and his wife Mary have three sons.