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By Babson Athletics Communications
Babson College Director of Athletics and Recreation Josh MacArthur has announced that he will be stepping down from his position on July 15 following a highly successful 10-year tenure.
"This was a deeply personal and difficult decision that was not made lightly," said MacArthur. "The last decade has absolutely been the most rewarding of my life. I look back on my time at Babson with great pride in all that we have accomplished. The campus community is truly a special group, and everyone has made an incredible impact on me and my family. It has been an honor to work with and learn from such an amazing group of coaches, terrific student-athletes, talented and passionate staff and faculty, and inspiring leaders across campus. I will always bleed green and support the Beavers."
Since coming to Babson prior to the 2006-07 academic year, MacArthur has led the athletics department through an unprecedented period of growth. He has increased full-time staff by 66 percent and doubled the department's budget, while also playing a key role in renovations to the Lunder Fitness Center, the Babson Athletics Hall of Fame and the resurfacing of MacDowell Field. Additionally, MacArthur has overseen the construction of the weight room at the Babson Skating Center and has been a central figure in developing plans for the new Babson Recreation & Athletic Center.
On the field of competition, Babson has enjoyed unparalleled success over the last decade. The Beavers' 22 men's and women's varsity programs have made 55 national tournament appearances and captured 31 conference championships, including 10 league titles and 18 national championship bids dating back to the start of the 2014-15 campaign. Overall, Babson has seen 17 different programs qualify for their respective national tournaments during MacArthur's tenure.
"Josh has been a consistent and reliable advocate for a high quality student experience at Babson not simply for varsity and club sport student-athletes, but also for all enrolled students," stated Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Lawrence P. Ward. "Josh has had a tremendous impact on the success and growth of Babson Athletics during his tenure, and I want to offer my sincere best wishes to him and his family for continued success and happiness in the next chapter of his professional life."
Along with the success of Babson's programs and the many facility improvements, MacArthur led a review of the athletics and recreation program in the form of a Board of Trustees Task Force. He also played a critical role the department's recent rebrand, helped with advances in technology, and was involved with community service initiatives, including Cradles for Crayons, Friends of Jaclyn, Team IMPACT and several cancer awareness events.
A former New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) President, MacArthur was a member of the NCAA men's lacrosse rules and New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) executive committees. He also was named a recipient of the Division III Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year (ADOY) Award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of America (NACDA) in March, and was honored at an awards luncheon as part of the NACDA Convention last month.
The College's administration is in the process of appointing an interim Director of Athletics and Recreation, which will be followed by a national search to fill the position on a permanent basis.
