Mulligan Named Director of Athletics

Simpson College has named Jason Mulligan to serve as director of athletics. Mulligan comes to Simpson with more than 20 years of NCAA Division III experience as an administrator and coach.

“We are pleased to have someone of Jason’s caliber joining our Simpson community,” said Sue Stuebner, president of Simpson College. “His deep understanding of (NCAA) Division III athletics and demonstrated commitment to ensuring student-athletes thrive both in competition and academic pursuits align closely with our mission. I am confident that with Jason’s leadership and knowledge, Storm athletics will continue to build on our exciting momentum.”

Mulligan recently completed an eight-year stint as director of athletics at Rockford University in Rockford, Ill. There his leadership focused on developing and implementing a four-year strategic plan to strengthen recruitment and retention. Related major initiatives included several facility enhancement projects and the addition of six new varsity sports, including the first NCAA Division III women’s flag football program in the Midwest.

Mulligan can’t wait to get started at Simpson, recognizing great possibilities ahead.

“I want to thank President Stuebner for her support throughout this process along with the diligent work of the search committee and Board of Trustees,” said Mulligan. “I’m incredibly honored to join Simpson College and build on the strong foundation already in place. What really stands out here are the people — especially their commitment to students, their pride in the institution and their belief in what athletics can mean to a campus and a community.”

Prior to his time at Rockford University, Mulligan thrived in a variety of administrative and coaching roles. At the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, he held dual roles as director of athletic facilities and head men’s basketball coach for five seasons. During that time, Mulligan’s teams made three postseason appearances and claimed the school’s first Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship in 2009, which earned him CCC Coach of the Year honors. His resume also includes five years as assistant director of athletics for Wabash College, where he also served as assistant basketball coach.

Mulligan is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, where he earned school Hall-of-Fame status after playing in four NAIA Division I National Basketball Tournaments —reaching the Final 4 in 2000. He also holds a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University.

Mulligan will begin his duties at Simpson June 1, 2026.