“I am deeply grateful to President Helble, Provost Urban, the Board of Trustees and the entire search committee for entrusting me to lead Lehigh University's athletic program. I am thrilled to join the Lehigh University community and to work alongside the talented student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans to elevate Lehigh's storied athletics program to new heights," said Gibson. "Lehigh is an institution with a rich tradition of aligned academic and athletic excellence, and I look forward to contributing to the growth of the student-athlete experience, as well as supporting the mission of the university as a whole.”
Gibson's leadership and vision for athletics go beyond wins and championships. He has been instrumental in fostering academic success, overseeing comprehensive student-athlete support systems, and leading initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion within athletics. His tenure at Merrimack College was marked by numerous conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and the development of a comprehensive athletic department strategy.
Prior to Merrimack, Gibson served at Harvard University for 17 years in several roles including Senior Associate Director of Athletics, where he was instrumental to the fundraising efforts that generated over $100 million to support capital projects, operational enhancements and endowments. Gibson also played a key role in elevating women's rugby to varsity status.
As the Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics at Lehigh, Gibson will oversee all aspects of the university’s intercollegiate athletics program, with a focus on student-athlete development, community engagement, and strategic growth. He will work closely with Lehigh’s academic leadership to ensure that athletics remains an integral part of the university's mission and values.
“Jeremy’s leadership experience, strategic vision, and passion for collegiate athletics make him an ideal fit for Lehigh,” said Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “He has built a long record of success at the two institutions he has served with thoughtful leadership and integrity, forging strong and lasting relationships with students, alumni, faculty and staff throughout. We are confident that he will inspire our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to achieve even greater success in both athletics and academics, and continue to strengthen the connection between athletics and the broader university community.”
Helble acknowledged the Goodman family, whose endowment of this position has provided enduring support for Lehigh’s athletics program. This commitment reflects the remarkable legacy of Murray H. Goodman, whose recent passing reminds us of his profound impact on Lehigh and the Lehigh community. Helble further expressed his recognition of Joe Sterrett, who has served with distinction as dean for many years. His leadership and dedication have been pivotal to the success of Lehigh’s athletic programs and the continued growth of the Lehigh athletics community.
Helble also expressed gratitude to the search committee, led by Nathan Urban, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, for their dedicated service: Khayla Atte, Head Coach of Women's and Men's Track and Field; Allen Biddinger, Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Events; Hannah Dailey, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and NCAA Faculty Representative; and Carol Packard, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations; as well as Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration in the Provost’s Office, for providing administrative and logistical support to the committee. The firm Korn Ferry assisted with the search.
Regarding Gibson’s selection, Urban, who chaired the search committee, said: “Jeremy’s commitment to integrating athletic and academic excellence aligns with our goals of fostering an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both on the field and in the classroom. I expect that he will fully embrace the emphasis on holistic development of our students and will work to further elevate the role of athletics in the experience of Lehigh students and in the life of the university."
Gibson’s selection comes as Lehigh University continues to build upon its proud history of athletic achievement, with 25 varsity teams competing at the NCAA Division I level.
His leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the university’s goal of being recognized as a national leader in both academics and athletics.