Bio

Jonathan Harper began his tenure as Director of Athletics at Rivier University in July 2022. Over the course of his career, Harper has amassed over 20 years of experience in higher education and intercollegiate athletics dedicated to fostering athletic achievement and personal growth among student-athletes.

As Director of Athletics, Harper is charged with leading the Department of Athletics and overseeing all operational aspects for the University’s 15 NCAA Division III programs.

Harper returned to New England after serving as Director of Athletics at Marymount California University in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The vast majority of his career has been spent in New England. As Director of Athletics at Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts, the Nighthawks won three conference championships during the 2018-2019 academic year (men’s soccer, men’s and women’s outdoor track & field).

Prior to Newbury, Harper operated multiple Division II and III conferences in various regions and capacities. He served as Assistant Commissioner for Strategic Communications at the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, Commissioner of the Little East Conference, and Associate Commissioner of the Northeast-10 Conference. An early pioneer in digital media, Harper served as Vice President for Penn Atlantic, a video streaming provider for intercollegiate athletics.

In addition to his experience in intercollegiate athletics, Harper was granted the opportunity to teach Sport Management, Business Management and Communications courses both online and on-campus at Post University and Newbury College.

Harper began his career as an intern with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League, Eastern College Athletic Conference and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy before his appointment as Assistant Director of Athletics at Fitchburg State University. He performed his undergraduate studies at Bridgewater State University and holds a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University.

The Springfield, Missouri native currently lives in Nashua with his wife, Heather, and has three children: Clayton (22), Skyler (22) and Brooklyn (18) who are all currently in college.