FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CONTACT:
Mary Allen, Widener University Executive Director of Communications (610) 499-4246; (302) 562-9239; mallen@widener.edu
Gregory Spicka, Director of Athletic Communications (610) 500-3632; gdspicka@widener.edu

CHESTER, Pa. - Widener University is pleased to announce Crystal Gibson has been named the new executive director of athletics, beginning July 1. Gibson currently serves as director of athletics and recreation at St. Mary's College of Maryland, a position she has held since 2020.

Gibson will be responsible for the organization, administration and coordination of all aspects of Widener's 23 intercollegiate athletic programs and their facilities, which complement the educational experience of the university. She will also oversee all interactive student-athlete educational and development programs at Widener, which is an NCAA Division III member of the Middle Atlantic Conference.

"I am honored and excited to join the Widener Pride and build upon the university's strong tradition of athletic and academic excellence," Gibson said. "I look forward to working alongside our student-athletes, coaches, and campus community to foster competitive success, holistic development and contribute to the university's deep, enduring culture of belonging."

Gibson will report to Vice President of Student Engagement and Transformation Fred McCall, who also serves as Widener's dean of students.

"Crystal brings a remarkable record of leadership, strategy,  and an intense commitment to student-athlete development that aligns with Widener's values of respect, integrity and excellence," he said. "We are excited for the energy, vision and inclusive leadership she will bring as she collaborates to shape the future of Pride athletics and strengthens our community commitment to belonging."

Gibson, a Randallstown, Maryland native, brings a proven track record of leadership and competitive success to her new role at Widener.

At St. Mary's College of Maryland, she has guided the strategic vision and day-to-day leadership of the athletics and recreation program, aligning it with institutional priorities while elevating the overall student-athlete experience. Under her leadership, the school quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the United East Conference, capturing three consecutive Presidents' Cups in 2022–23, 2023–24 and 2024-25.

Gibson has overseen a period of exceptional competitive achievement for the Seahawks, highlighted by a landmark 2025-26 season in which the department won 13 conference championships across multiple leagues.  It was the second straight year all eligible programs competed in post-season championships, underscoring the breadth of success across the department. Her leadership during St. Mary's transition into the United East conference helped position the institution for sustained excellence and national visibility.

A nationally recognized leader in collegiate athletics administration, Gibson has held numerous influential roles within the NCAA and related organizations. She served on the NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity from 2021 to 2024, contributing to key policy discussions and advocating for student-athlete well-being and inclusive excellence. She currently serves on the NCAA Division III Management Council and related committees, and she is on the leadership track of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators, where she is slated to become president in 2027–28.

Prior to her tenure at St. Mary's, Gibson held leadership roles at Susquehanna University, including interim director of athletics, and spent six years at St. Mary's earlier in her career as head women's basketball coach and senior woman administrator. She began her career in coaching and sports information at Arcadia University, with additional coaching stops at Frostburg State and Lebanon Valley College.

Gibson graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 2005 with a bachelor's in biology and earned her Master of Business Administration from the college in 2019. She is a member of Lebanon Valley's Athletic Hall of Fame as an All-American high jumper and four-year starter on the Dutchmen women's basketball team.