Hillsdale College Announces New Director of Athletics
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College announces the appointment of John Tharp as the new director of athletics. Tharp replaces Don Brubacher, who has been director of athletics since 2008.
“The college is delighted to have John Tharp serve as our new athletics director,” said Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn. “Don Brubacher’s shoes are large ones to fill, but Coach Tharp has a distinguished record as a leader for the college’s basketball team — on and off the court. I have no doubt that, under his leadership, the athletic program will continue to flourish.”
Tharp served as the head coach of the men’s basketball team at Hillsdale College for 16 years. He led the team to three conference titles and five NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including two Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight appearance. He was named G-MAC Coach of the Year during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons. Tharp finishes his head coaching career with 501 victories. His 66.2% winning percentage at Hillsdale is the second highest among Hillsdale basketball coaches who coached more than 70 games. “It was a privilege to serve as the head men’s basketball coach for the last sixteen years, and I am honored to continue to serve Hillsdale College as the new director of athletics,” said Tharp. “I look forward to leading the athletic program and working closely with the talented coaches, staff, and student-athletes to build on the program’s successes that Don has built.”
During Don Brubacher’s tenure, Hillsdale College won 45 team conference titles, with every one of the college’s 14 sports teams winning at least one conference title or making it to at least one NCAA tournament or final. Under his leadership, Hillsdale also produced 182 NCAA Division II All-Americans.
Each year since 2011, Hillsdale College has received the National Collegiate Athletic Association President’s Award for Academic Excellence, which denotes high levels of timely graduations by student-athletes. It is one of only 10 schools to receive the honor each time it has been awarded, and over the past four years, it has been among the top five schools in NCAA Division II, boasting a graduation rate of 96% or higher.
Prior to his time at Hillsdale College, Brubacher served as the athletic director at Tabor College for nine years. He also served at Tabor as a coach for men’s and women’s basketball and soccer. He will continue in his role until June 30, 2023. “My wife, Janette, and I are grateful for our time at Hillsdale College, and for the outstanding people we have worked beside for fifteen years,” said Brubacher. “We wish the college God’s richest blessings, and look forward to greater things for the Athletic Department under Coach Tharp’s leadership.”
For a headshot of Tharp, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.