Fighting Scots Name Jason Linders as New Director of Athletics

Gordon College announces Jason Linders as the new director of athletics for the Fighting Scots. Linders comes to Gordon with nearly 20 years of experience in sport management at organizations including Chicago State University, Grand Canyon University, the University of South Florida and the University of Nevada. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Linders to Fighting Scots nation,” says President Mike Hammond. “Jason’s breadth of experience at several colleges and universities, across different levels—and his passion to compete for excellence—will continue to raise the bar for Gordon Athletics.” 

Most recently Linders served as director of athletics and director of operations for the Southbridge Public Schools District in Massachusetts, where he provided leadership for 25 sports in the interscholastic athletics program while also serving on the administrative leadership team. During his tenure he helped the district increase performance metrics used by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, including student athlete graduation rate. He led five teams to become Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and Massachusetts School Administrators Association State Championship qualifiers and supported a more than 40 percent increase in community service hours completed by student athletes. 

Linders is involved with numerous leadership and professional organizations and is a graduate of the NCAA’s Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, the N4A Professional Development Institute (PDI) and TopConnect AD leadership symposium. A former college student athlete, Linders completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, and is completing his Ph.D. at the University of South Florida. 

“We are humbled and honored to be joining the Fighting Scots family at the top Christian college in New England,” says Linders. “Gordon College excites me because of the opportunity to work with Christ-centered students, faculty and staff who are purpose-driven. I look forward to working with them to build a department in alignment with the mission of the College, centered around faith, learning, service and leadership, while holistically developing student athletes who are competing in a sport they love!” 

Linders will lead Gordon’s 24 varsity NCAA DIII teams in the mission of discipling student athletes toward excellence in athletics, character and commitment to Christ while equipping them for service and leadership—all in the pursuit of victory. He joins the Fighting Scots following the retirement of longtime athletic director Jonathan Tymann ’83 in the summer of 2023 after 31 years of service to the College. Men’s Lacrosse coach Brian Lane ’15 has served as interim athletic director for the past seven months.  

“In hiring Jason Linders as their next director of athletics, Gordon College landed an outstanding administrator and tireless advocate for student athletes,” says Commonwealth Coast Conference chair Patrick Colbert. “I have had the privilege of working with Jason when he served in key leadership roles at other institutions, and it was clear to me that he is always looking to learn and evolve as a leader. I have no doubt that he will bring a fresh perspective to our Conference as we continue to elevate our brand during these dynamic times in Division III and higher education.”  

“I look forward to serving our student athletes, coaches and staff as we build pride and engagement in Gordon College Athletics among the campus community, our Fighting Scots alumni and throughout New England,” says Linders.