PHILADELPHIA – Northwestern Deputy Director of Athletics for Capital Projects and Operations Brian Baptiste has been named the next Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at La Salle University, the school announced Monday.
"Over nearly seven years Brian has made his mark on the most transformational era in Northwestern Athletics history," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "He has been an invaluable colleague and member of my executive staff, and directed a $500 million facilities evolution that required truly extraordinary collaboration. His educational credentials and business acumen are impeccable and, most importantly, his commitment to student-athletes is unwavering. This is an exciting day for anyone who loves the LaSalle Explorers, and I am ecstatic for Brian, Jessica and their children to have this incredible opportunity."
After coming to Northwestern initially in 2013 to oversee the Compliance department, Baptiste has served as deputy director of athletics since 2015. In that role, he was responsible for all capital projects for Athletics and had oversight of athletic facilities, event management, equipment services and recreation.
His leadership included the historic facilities upgrade that has taken place alongside Lake Michigan, a process requiring close coordination with campus officials, state regulatory agencies, architects, contractors and sub-contractors over the last five years. Northwestern unveiled the game-changing Walter Athletics Center, Ryan Fieldhouse, Wilson Field and new Welsh-Ryan Arena in 2018, and will debut the Trienens Performance Center and completely renovated Gleacher Golf Center and Patten Gymnasium this fall. The dramatic transformation impacts the daily experience of all 19 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.
Baptiste also was the sport administrator for several Wildcats varsity teams during his time in Evanston, including cross country, which had its first All-American in program history this fall, and men's basketball.
"I am extremely excited for Brian and his family to have this opportunity," said Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins. "During his time at Northwestern his leadership has been invaluable to our University, our department and our basketball program. Brian is an intelligent, high-character individual who places the student-athlete experience above all else. I have the upmost respect for him and have truly enjoyed our time together. He is a star in the making and La Salle is fortunate to have him lead its department moving forward."
Baptiste, who officially assumes his new position on July 1, will be introduced June 18 at 10 a.m. ET with a welcome event and press conference at Founders' Hall on the La Salle University campus.
Prior to his Northwestern tenure, he spent nearly three years at the University of Delaware where he held the title of Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. He served as sport administrator for field hockey and softball, and completed programs in leadership development and management essentials. The Cheverly, Md., native began his intercollegiate athletics career as an Assistant Director of Compliance at Georgetown University.
Baptiste is a 2005 graduate of Towson University. He earned his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2008 and is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland. He and his wife, Jessica, have three daughters, Saniya, Jordan, and Zoe.
"Over nearly seven years Brian has made his mark on the most transformational era in Northwestern Athletics history," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "He has been an invaluable colleague and member of my executive staff, and directed a $500 million facilities evolution that required truly extraordinary collaboration. His educational credentials and business acumen are impeccable and, most importantly, his commitment to student-athletes is unwavering. This is an exciting day for anyone who loves the LaSalle Explorers, and I am ecstatic for Brian, Jessica and their children to have this incredible opportunity."
After coming to Northwestern initially in 2013 to oversee the Compliance department, Baptiste has served as deputy director of athletics since 2015. In that role, he was responsible for all capital projects for Athletics and had oversight of athletic facilities, event management, equipment services and recreation.
His leadership included the historic facilities upgrade that has taken place alongside Lake Michigan, a process requiring close coordination with campus officials, state regulatory agencies, architects, contractors and sub-contractors over the last five years. Northwestern unveiled the game-changing Walter Athletics Center, Ryan Fieldhouse, Wilson Field and new Welsh-Ryan Arena in 2018, and will debut the Trienens Performance Center and completely renovated Gleacher Golf Center and Patten Gymnasium this fall. The dramatic transformation impacts the daily experience of all 19 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.
Baptiste also was the sport administrator for several Wildcats varsity teams during his time in Evanston, including cross country, which had its first All-American in program history this fall, and men's basketball.
"I am extremely excited for Brian and his family to have this opportunity," said Sullivan-Ubben Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Collins. "During his time at Northwestern his leadership has been invaluable to our University, our department and our basketball program. Brian is an intelligent, high-character individual who places the student-athlete experience above all else. I have the upmost respect for him and have truly enjoyed our time together. He is a star in the making and La Salle is fortunate to have him lead its department moving forward."
Baptiste, who officially assumes his new position on July 1, will be introduced June 18 at 10 a.m. ET with a welcome event and press conference at Founders' Hall on the La Salle University campus.
Prior to his Northwestern tenure, he spent nearly three years at the University of Delaware where he held the title of Associate Athletic Director for Compliance. He served as sport administrator for field hockey and softball, and completed programs in leadership development and management essentials. The Cheverly, Md., native began his intercollegiate athletics career as an Assistant Director of Compliance at Georgetown University.
Baptiste is a 2005 graduate of Towson University. He earned his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in 2008 and is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland. He and his wife, Jessica, have three daughters, Saniya, Jordan, and Zoe.
NEWS | Join us in welcoming our new Director of Athletics, Brian Baptiste! Brian comes to Philadelphia after nearly seven years at Northwestern ??
— La Salle Athletics (@GoExplorers) June 3, 2019
??: https://t.co/52rEORR7TR pic.twitter.com/xPfMMroQ6u
Brian is one of the best in the business. We are grateful for all of his dedicated work in making Northwestern a better place.
— Northwestern Basketball (@NUMensBball) June 3, 2019
La Salle is fortunate to have him at the helm. Good luck, Brian! https://t.co/lcTJGuebqa
Congratulations, Brian! Our new home wouldn't have been possible without you. You got a great one, @GoExplorers. https://t.co/A8928jdclr
— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) June 3, 2019