CHICAGO, Ill. (MAY 6, 2019) – North Park University President Mary K. Surridge today announced the appointment of John J. Born as Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management.
Born -- who in 2017 led the North Park University Vikings to National Runner-up in NCAA Division III men's soccer and was named a National Coach of the Year -- has a master's degree in sport management, 24 seasons of collegiate head coaching experience, and 17 years as an associate athletics director.
"John's career over the past 20-plus years has prepared him exceptionally well for the responsibilities and opportunities of this leadership position at North Park," Surridge said. "He has consistently demonstrated his strong commitment to NCAA Division III Athletics, and to the distinctive mission of North Park University."
As assistant professor in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management, Born developed the school's popular new Sport Management curriculum. As Head Men's Soccer Coach since 1999, he compiled an overall record of 231-105-36.
"John knows that this position at North Park requires high energy, hard work and Christian principles," said Surridge, herself a former NCAA Division I student-athlete at Northwestern. "It requires the ability to inspire the pursuit of excellence in the classroom, on the playing field and in all walks of life."
The Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management is responsible for managing all of North Park's NCAA Division III athletic programs, supporting the university's enrollment activities, and oversight of the academic Sport Management program, which will include teaching responsibilities.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected as the new Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sport Management. When I first stepped on campus nearly 20 years ago, I was compelled by the mission, people and location of North Park," Born said. "Over the years I have further grown to appreciate just how special our University is. The administration fosters an environment for individual, professional, educational and spiritual growth. I am so thankful to President Surridge, Vice President Scola, Athletic Director Surridge and the entire search committee for creating and entrusting me with this position. I look forward to their leadership, guidance and support as we embark on the next chapter of North Park Athletics. Go Vikings!"
Born succeeds the legendary Dr. Jack Surridge, who is retiring as director of athletics at North Park University after 22 years, and who was previously head coach of women's basketball, and a professor of genetics at the school.
Dr. Jack Surridge has served as the director of athletics at North Park University since 1997. Under his leadership, North Park University earned eight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) titles, five CCIW tournament championships, and saw a number of teams reach new heights in the playoffs. Most notably, the 2017 men's soccer team finished its season as the National Runner-Up in the NCAA Division III championship game, the program's best finish in school history. Additionally, Dr. Surridge was responsible for developing some of North Park's state-of-the-art athletics facilities in the River Park Soccer/Track complex, the Holmgren Athletic Complex, the Helwig Recreation Center, and the WMS Rowing Center.
Dr. Surridge will continue to stay involved at North Park University, transitioning to the role of Strategic Enrollment Management Advisor.
ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY: Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University is located on Chicago's north side and enrolls 3,200 students from around the country and the world. At North Park, excellence implies not only a deep tradition in the liberal arts and the Christian faith, but also a spirit of innovation, reaching out to serve and to learn from the dynamic community around us. For more information, visit www.northpark.edu.
