Northwestern has recently appointed Derrick Gragg as the new vice president for athletic strategy, overseeing the university’s athletic direction and assisting in navigating the upcoming changes in college athletics. Gragg previously served as the vice president for athletics and recreation since June 2021 and will continue in the role of athletic director until a replacement is hired.
Gragg’s transition to the role of athletic director follows a hazing scandal that plagued Northwestern’s football program, leading to the dismissal of longtime coach Pat Fitzgerald in July 2023 after 17 seasons. The scandal resulted in numerous lawsuits alleging sexual abuse, racist comments, and race-based assaults within various sports teams, prompting significant changes within the athletic department.
Despite these challenges, Gragg’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards a new era of excellence at Northwestern. In his new position, he will provide guidance to the president and athletic director as they navigate the changes brought on by the NCAA’s $2.8 billion settlement agreement with the five largest conferences in response to antitrust claims. Northwestern President Michael Schill praised Gragg for his leadership in the athletic department, noting the achievements made under his guidance both in competition and outside of it.
