Knox College recently announced that Justin Newell will become the College’s new vice president and director of athletics on February 3, 2025. 

Newell comes to Knox from Kenyon College, a fellow NCAA Division III national liberal arts institution, where he currently serves as associate director of athletics, a position he has held since 2021. Justin previously served as Kenyon’s assistant athletic director and director of the Lowry Center from 2012 to 2021. 

In his role as vice president and director of athletics at Knox, Newell will work with students, faculty, staff, and alumni across the College to promote excellence in Knox’s athletic programs, recruit and retain a diverse group of exceptional coaches, promote our student-athletes’ academic and athletic achievements, and advance the health and wellness of the College community. In collaboration with the senior staff and the Board of Trustees, Newell will help to sharpen the vision of the role and mission of athletics and recreation at Knox, as well as establish a culture within Athletics that values growth, competitiveness, and innovation. 

“Justin’s desire to build relationships with members of the Knox and Galesburg communities, passion for Knox’s mission, and extensive experience in all facets of athletics administration position him well to lead the growth of Knox athletics in the years to come,” said President C. Andrew McGandey. “In his role here at Knox, Justin will serve as both vice president and director of athletics and a member of our senior staff. I am truly excited to welcome him to the team.”

Jill McCartney, director of athletics at Kenyon, had the following to say about his contribution to their team: “Justin has played a role in just about every area of our Athletics department and has led our growth in relationships with Advancement, Alumni and Parent Engagement, and the greater community. As a trusted ‘coach’ for coaches and Athletics staff, Justin helped to onboard, support and develop our team."

Prior to his time at Kenyon, Justin served as director of facilities at Tulane University, facility and operations director at Jacksonville University, athletic administrator at Auburn University of Montgomery, and event management assistant at the University of Michigan. Justin holds a master’s of education in sports administration from Millersville University and a bachelor of science in general agriculture with a concentration and minor in wildlife conservation and history. He is also very engaged with his community, serving on the executive committee of Kenyon’s Office of Community Partnerships and as President-Elect of the Mount Vernon Rotary. 

“The sense of excitement I felt when I arrived at Knox, as well as the sense of community and collegiality, made me feel like I belonged here,” said Newell. “Beyond the warm welcome, the challenge President McGadney has given Prairie Fire Athletics—to grow and excel academically, as well as competitively—is something that I believe Knox can achieve. I look forward to working with students, coaches, and staff to define our purpose and realize the full potential of athletics at Knox. I thank President McGadney, the Senior Staff, and the Search Committee for giving me this opportunity to impact the future of Prairie Fire Athletics.” 

Newell will be joined by his wife, Wendy, and their twin children, Keaton and Delaney, in Galesburg.