O'Rourke Elevated to Associate AD - Academic Services & Student Development
9/27/2021 1:35:00 PM | Academic Services & Student Development
EVANSTON, Ill. — Eileen O'Rourke has been named Northwestern's associate athletic director for academic services and student development, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg announced Monday.
Along with serving as the main liaison from the athletics department to the academic community on campus, O'Rourke will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the department's academic services and student development programs that provide resources and guidance to student-athletes from all 19 varsity programs.
"We conducted a thorough national search for this critical position, and it became evident to the hiring committee that the best person for this role is one of our own in Eileen," said Gragg. "Her passion and dedication are unparalleled when it comes to helping Northwestern student-athletes reach their full potential and maximize their experience on campus. She is highly regarded by student-athletes, staff and colleagues across campus and we are fortunate to have her lead the academic services and student development department moving forward."
"I am beyond excited to continue serving the wonderful students and staff at Northwestern," said O'Rourke. "The sincerest thank you to Dr. Gragg, Deputy AD/SWA Janna Blais and the entire search committee for the opportunity of a lifetime."
O'Rourke has been a member of Northwestern's academic services team since January of 2017, when she came to the Evanston campus as an academic advisor. Most recently, she held the title of director of academic services where she coordinated key aspects of the student academic lifecycle, while also serving as the lead advisor to Northwestern student-athletes. The Wildcats finished the 2020-21 year with a school-record number of Academic All-Big Ten honorees (349) and Big Ten Distinguished Scholars (121). In the latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) data released by the NCAA, Northwestern matched the school record with 12 programs earning perfect multi-year scores.
In addition to her academic advising responsibilities within the athletics department, O'Rourke is a member of the Northwestern campus academic advising group, organized by the office of the provost, that works to implement shared guidelines and practices that all advisors can use across the University. She has also served as Northwestern Athletics' liaison at University dean meetings and Big Ten Academic Directors meetings.
O'Rourke is actively involved in leadership and professional development organizations at the national level. She is a member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) and Women Leaders in College Sports. In 2019, she was elected as vice chair the N4A's institution services work group, while also being part of the association's legislative affairs committee.
Prior to coming to Northwestern, O'Rourke held academic services roles at Indiana (2012-16), Memphis (2011-12) and DePaul (2011). She is a two-time graduate of Eastern Illinois University, holding an undergraduate degree in history with a teaching certificate in secondary education and a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and sports studies with a concentration in sports administration. The Hickory Hills, Illinois, native also earned a leadership certificate from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
Along with serving as the main liaison from the athletics department to the academic community on campus, O'Rourke will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of the department's academic services and student development programs that provide resources and guidance to student-athletes from all 19 varsity programs.
"We conducted a thorough national search for this critical position, and it became evident to the hiring committee that the best person for this role is one of our own in Eileen," said Gragg. "Her passion and dedication are unparalleled when it comes to helping Northwestern student-athletes reach their full potential and maximize their experience on campus. She is highly regarded by student-athletes, staff and colleagues across campus and we are fortunate to have her lead the academic services and student development department moving forward."
"I am beyond excited to continue serving the wonderful students and staff at Northwestern," said O'Rourke. "The sincerest thank you to Dr. Gragg, Deputy AD/SWA Janna Blais and the entire search committee for the opportunity of a lifetime."
O'Rourke has been a member of Northwestern's academic services team since January of 2017, when she came to the Evanston campus as an academic advisor. Most recently, she held the title of director of academic services where she coordinated key aspects of the student academic lifecycle, while also serving as the lead advisor to Northwestern student-athletes. The Wildcats finished the 2020-21 year with a school-record number of Academic All-Big Ten honorees (349) and Big Ten Distinguished Scholars (121). In the latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) data released by the NCAA, Northwestern matched the school record with 12 programs earning perfect multi-year scores.
In addition to her academic advising responsibilities within the athletics department, O'Rourke is a member of the Northwestern campus academic advising group, organized by the office of the provost, that works to implement shared guidelines and practices that all advisors can use across the University. She has also served as Northwestern Athletics' liaison at University dean meetings and Big Ten Academic Directors meetings.
O'Rourke is actively involved in leadership and professional development organizations at the national level. She is a member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A) and Women Leaders in College Sports. In 2019, she was elected as vice chair the N4A's institution services work group, while also being part of the association's legislative affairs committee.
Prior to coming to Northwestern, O'Rourke held academic services roles at Indiana (2012-16), Memphis (2011-12) and DePaul (2011). She is a two-time graduate of Eastern Illinois University, holding an undergraduate degree in history with a teaching certificate in secondary education and a Master of Science degree in kinesiology and sports studies with a concentration in sports administration. The Hickory Hills, Illinois, native also earned a leadership certificate from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management.
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