John McCutcheon
Athletic Director

John McCutcheon was named the sixth Director of Athletics at the University of Massachusetts on February 4, 2004. He oversees and directs all operations for UMass' 23 varsity sports and athletic sport services, as well as over 150 full-time and part-time staff.

Since his appointment, McCutcheon has spearheaded the department's efforts to upgrade facilities both on and off the field of play. In the past three years, annual donations and corporate sponsorships are at their highest levels ever, making these and other improvements possible.

Construction on the new UMass Track and Field Complex was completed in October of 2005, with the dedication set for September 23, 2006. McGuirk Stadium, the home of Minutemen Football, received a new turf in the Summer of 2006, as did Garber Field, the home of both UMass lacrosse teams as well as the field hockey squad. In addition, two new video boards were installed in the Mullins Center, making the basketball and hockey game day experiences state of the art for fans and athletes alike.

Behind the scenes, Boyden Gymnasium continues to receive upgrades with the addition of the new center for athletic media relations, as well as the new academic center and computer lab. Under his leadership, over 500 student-athletes at UMass earned league high academic honors.

"It is my goal to provide the direction, enthusiasm and leadership to make UMass athletics a program in which our students, alumni and supporters can take great pride."

McCutcheon is only the sixth permanent athletic director at UMass since 1911, The five previous directors were Curry Starr Hicks (1911-1948), Warren P. McGuirk (1948-1971), Frank McInerney (1972-1992), Bob Marcum, (1993-2002), and Ian McCaw (2002-2003).

McCutcheon came to UMass from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he was the director of athletics for a 20-sport varsity program from 1992-2004. During his time at Cal Poly, McCutcheon coordinated the school's reclassification from Division II to Division I-AA and secured membership in the Big West Conference. Cal Poly teams won 15 conference championships during McCutcheon's tenure, with 11 teams and 45 individuals advancing to NCAA postseason competition.

Among his major accomplishments at Cal Poly was the development of an athletic facility master plan, which addressed current and projected intercollegiate athletic and recreation needs. The blueprint encompassed a 37-acre sports complex which featured six multipurpose fields; a 2,500-seat baseball stadium; a 2,000-seat softball stadium; the renovation of a gymnasium and track & field facilities; design for a new 12,000-seat football / soccer stadium; a new varsity weight training center; a new academic center; locker room renovations; the construction of a new tennis facility; the reconstruction of a pool facility; and the concept planning for a future convocation center. Overall, the project included a $20 million capital campaign, which collected funds from private, corporate, state and student sources.

McCutcheon also showed a commitment to both athletic and academic excellence during his time at Cal Poly. Under his tenure, student-athletes at Cal Poly consistently graduated at a rate higher than the general student population. He also helped the athletic department more than double its staff to over 50 employees, including new student-athlete support departments. Athletic aid more than tripled under his leadership, as he actively worked with the Mustang Athletic Fund to raise funds for the improvement and construction of athletic facilites.

A member of the National Association of College Directors of Athletics since 1992, McCutcheon was also a member of the Collegiate Athletic Business Managers Association from 1978-1992. He is currently a member of the NCAA I-AA Football Committee, and has served on the NCAA Management Council, the Division I-AA Athletic Directors Association Executive Committee and the Big West Conference Executive Committee.

Prior to his time at Cal Poly, McCutcheon spent 12 years at Boston College. He served as associate athletic director for business and operations from June of 1991 to August of 1992; assistant athletic director from July of 1988 to June of 1991; and athletic business manager from July of 1980 to July of 1988. He was also assistant athletic manager at the University of Maine from July of 1977 to July of 1980.

McCutcheon earned his bachelor of science degree in health, physical education and recreation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1975. He also earned a master of education degree from Ohio University in 1978. McCutcheon and his wife, Sue, have three children, Justin, Molly and Jack.