Story Courtesy of Widener Athletics
 
CONTACT:
Gregory Spicka, Director of Athletic Communications (610) 500-3632; gdspicka@widener.edu
 
CHESTER, Pa. - After 26 years in the Widener University Athletic Department, Executive Director of Athletics Jack Shafer will depart the university for new opportunities.

Mr. Shafer joined Widener as its Women's Soccer Coach in 2000, assumed operational and administrative duties as the Assistant Athletic Director from 2002-2006, and was the Men's Soccer Coach from 2004-2008. He was appointed as the Director of Athletics in 2006.

Shafer successfully managed 22 programs in the department which included 20 NCAA Sports as well as Cheer and Esports as non-NCAA programs. 

Since 2006, Widener Men's and Women's Athletic Teams have amassed 47 Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. Between 2006 and 2025, the Athletic Department produced 5 valedictorians, 1 salutatorian, 31 Middle Atlantic Conference Scholar- Athlete of the Year Awards, 24 COSIDA Academic All-American selections, and over 100 regional academic awards for Widener student-athletes.

Mr. Shafer appointed full-time head coach positions for Women's Cross Country/Track & Field to address the needs of female student-athletes and foster a constructive mentoring relationship related to their academic, co-curricular, and athletic pursuits. Since doing so, the Women's Cross Country and Track and Field team have won 7 Middle Atlantic Conference Championships. 

Mr. Shafer appointed 10 head coaches who achieved Conference tournament participation, Conference championships and/or led their teams or individuals into the NCAA Tournament and individual qualifiers to NCAA Championships. 

Under his leadership Shafer oversaw the renovation of the Athletic Department weight room and creation of locker spaces for both men's and women's programs that included custom locker facilities for men's and women's athletic teams. 

Mr. Shafer oversaw the refurbishment of the Schwartz gymnasium with eco-friendly lighting, HVAC capabilities, student fan section, branded floor, new bleachers in university logos and colors, scorers' table, concession stand, and scoreboards. His work also included renovation of Schwartz Natatorium locker rooms, deck areas, lane lines, facility branding and logos. Updated starting blocks, an integrated touch pad timing system and natatorium audio equipment were also installed. He also oversaw the field-turf replacement and branding at Dixon Field and Quick Stadium that also included the installation of a Mondo Track facility.

In 2014, Mr. Shafer executed the first Widener University Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony to engage and recognize alumni through their excellence in athletics while they were students at Widener and the Pennsylvania Military Academy. The Hall of Fame honors athletes who have made significant contributions to the University's athletic programs and have left a lasting impact on the community as both athletes and students. 

Most important to Shafer was the student experience beyond sport in educational settings that invigorated the student experience through leadership education - WALI (Widener Athletic Leadership Initiative), as well as SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Council) programming that provided a voice for student athletes within the department and the impactful relationship building through the Faculty Advisor Program. Within these areas programming is guided by dedicated staff and students focused on the following areas: Inclusion, Belonging, and Advocacy; Sportsmanship/Outreach; and Mental Health/Well Being. These programs were able to build a sense of community within the Athletic Department involving all athletic teams, encouraging active involvement of student-athletes and staff, as well as emphasizing engagement and support from faculty and university staff for all athletic programs promoting athletics as an inclusive experience that positively affects the lives of Widener student-athletes. 

In 2024 the Widener University Athletic Department received the NCAA Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) National Award for Department Diversity and Inclusion programming. Widener was the only Division III institution recognized as a leader in this area. None of these programs would have been possible without his incredibly dedicated administrators, staff, and the campus partnerships who pioneered these initiatives that are now part of the department culture for Widener student-athletes.

Mr. Shafer's oversight of the Widener University Athletic Department during the past 20 years has positively affected student-athletes, their families, faculty, staff, alumni and university guests. He has supported his coaching staff and administrators through their dedicated work as leaders and educators in their sport and strengthened the team competitive experience. Widener University thanks him for his dedication and work in the Widener Athletic Department.

Jack Shafer's Accolades at Widener

• 2025 Appointed to the NCAA Soccer Rules and Regulations Committee 
• 2021-23 Middle Atlantic Conference Operations Committee (Chair 2023-24)
• 2018 Selected to Attend the NCAA Leadership Academy Workshop
• 2014-15 Middle Atlantic Conference Operations Committee Chair
• 2014 Harvard University Graduate School of Education Management Development Program 
• 2012-14 Middle Atlantic Conference Operations Committee 
• 2008 Men's Soccer MAC Commonwealth  Runner-up – First Time in School History 
• 2006 Men's Soccer MAC Commonwealth Semi-Finals – Regular Season Finish 2nd Place 
• 2006 MAC Commonwealth Men's Soccer Coach of the Year
• 2005 Inducted to the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Fame 
• 2004 Men's Soccer MAC Commonwealth Semi-Finals – First Time in School History 
• 2002 ECAC Mid-Atlantic Region Runner-up – Widener Women's Soccer – First Time in School History