Soon-to-be former Rivier AD Jonathan Harper will head over to Saint Anselm College as an officer in that school's athleitc administration. (Photo courtesy of Sain Anselm Athletics)

MANCHESTER – Jonathan Harper’s new landing spot in the world of intercollegiate athletics is now official.

Harper it turns out stepped down as Rivier University Athletic Director to take the position of Saint Anselm College’s Deputy Director of Athletics for External Relations.

Saint Anselm College Interim Director of Athletics Phil Rowe made the announcement late this week. Ironically, Rowe’s career included two stints as the head of the now closed Daniel Webster College athletic program.

As deputy director, Harper, according to a press release, will oversee external operations for the Hawks’ 23 varsity programs. His responsibilities will include promoting the department’s brand, expanding corporate sponsorship opportunities, and contributing to department-wide initiatives as part of the senior athletics administrative team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to Saint Anselm College and our athletic leadership team,” Rowe said. “His depth of experience, particularly in external relations, strategic communications, and collegiate athletics administration, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to elevate the profile of our programs.

“Jonathan’s collaborative spirit, service-based leadership, and passion for the student-athlete experience align perfectly with the values of our department and the mission of the College,” Rowe added.

“I am excited for this opportunity to join the Saint Anselm Department of Athletics and help tell the stories of student-athletes and coaches, both on and off the field of competition,” Harper, who resides in Nashua, said in a statement.

“I am also looking forward to positively contributing to a first-class student-athlete experience and supporting the efforts of the coaching staff as well as the administration,” he added. “I would like to thank Phil Rowe for affording me this opportunity to join an extremely talented staff.”

Harper, of course, made his mark the last three years in succeeding retired longtime legendary Raider AD Joanne Merrill in August of 2022. He presided this past year over arguably the most successful year in Raider history with 10 teams attaining postseason berths. All the coaches were elevated to full-time status, there was record academic achievement, notable facility improvements, notable fundraising success, etc.

The Raiders say a national search for Harper’s successor is underway. In the meantime, Dr. Hank Parkinson, Rivier’s Vice President for Student Experience, will serve as the interim AD.