NDSCS Announces Hire of New Athletic Director

09-04-2024

North Dakota State College of Science proudly announces the appointment of Reggie Jackson as the new Athletic Director for Wildcat Athletics. With a dynamic career that spans over two decades in sports leadership, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the Wildcat community.

Jackson replaces Stu Engen, who left in June to join Idaho State University as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach. During his tenure at NDSCS, Engen transformed NDSCS Athletics into a small-college powerhouse, with multiple National Championship appearances and Conference Championships.

Jackson's experience includes over 25 years in sports and business. A 1999 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in Health and Physical Education, Jackson's journey in athletics is extensive and impactful.

From 2021 to 2024, he helmed the Activities Department at St. John Paul II (St. JPII) Catholic Schools in Fargo, N.D., where he was responsible for the K-12 activities across three elementary schools, one middle school, and Shanley High School. His leadership was marked by the successful management of over 25 interscholastic programs, ensuring a vibrant and competitive atmosphere for students. Perhaps Jackson's most notable achievement during this time was spearheading a $3.5 million project to overhaul Sid Cichy Stadium in 2023. Under his watch, the stadium saw the installation of a state-of-the-art track, new artificial turf, cutting-edge LED lights, and professional-grade goal posts.

Before his tenure at St. JPII, Jackson was the owner and operator of Jackson Recognition, a business that supplied graduation items to more than 65 schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, and northwest Minnesota.

Jackson's coaching career includes serving as Head Girls' Basketball Coach at Richland #44, Assistant Baseball Coach at Fargo South High School, and Director of Basketball Operations for the Fargo-Moorhead Beez.

Officiating has also been a major part of Jackson's career. For over two decades, he's been a fixture in conferences like the Big Ten, Horizon, Summit, NSIC, and more. His roles on various boards and committees, including the NDHSAA and North Dakota American Legion Baseball, have added to his deep understanding of the sports world.

Now, as he steps into the role of Athletic Director at NDSCS, Jackson's appointment marks a new chapter for NDSCS Athletics, one defined by growth and moving NDSCS Athletics to the next level.

"I am excited to join the NDSCS community and lead the Wildcat athletic program," remarked Jackson. "This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented student-athletes and a dedicated staff. I look forward to building on the strong foundation here at NDSCS."

"We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Jackson to the NDSCS family as our new Athletic Director," said NDSCS President Rod Flanigan, Ph.D. "Reggie's extensive experience in athletic leadership and his passion for fostering excellence both on and off the field make him the perfect fit for our Wildcat community. We are confident that under his guidance, our athletic programs will continue to thrive and inspire our student-athletes to reach new levels of success."

Jackson invites the Wildcat community to attend the upcoming athletic contests held at NDSCS, including a Football game on Saturday, September 7th at 1:30 p.m. at Frank Vertin Field, and a Volleyball game on Friday, September 13th at 3 p.m. at the Blikre Activities Center. Subscribe to the NDSCS Athletics calendar to stay up to date with event information: NDSCS.edu/Calendar.