NEWARK, NJ – Megan Haughey, a Rutgers alumna and Deputy Athletic Director at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been named Rutgers University–Newark's new Director of Athletics, Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson announced yesterday. Haughey will officially begin her role on July 20.
At Rutgers-Newark, Haughey will oversee the university's NCAA Division III athletics program, focusing on strengthening recruitment, enhancing student-athlete support, expanding community engagement, and elevating the visibility and competitiveness of Scarlet Raiders athletics.
"Megan Haughey's leadership reflects the values that define Rutgers–Newark: academic excellence, competitive engagement, integrity, and innovation," said Smith-Jackson.
"She is keenly aware of the role athletics and recreation will play in supporting scholarly achievement, research, and holistic student development," she added. "Her experience advancing compliance, professional development, and data-informed recruitment—while cultivating a vibrant game-day and campus culture—positions her to lead Scarlet Raider athletics and recreation with distinction and purpose."
Haughey brings a dynamic blend of coaching success and senior-level administrative experience. She has served as head coach of the Stevens women's basketball program since the 2012-13 season, compiling a 232-122 overall record and becoming the winningest coach in program history.
Beyond her success on the court, Haughey has played a significant leadership role as Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). In that capacity, she has helped guide departmental strategy, champion gender equity and inclusion, and contribute to senior-level decision-making across the athletic department. She oversaw 50 staff members and multiple varsity programs, directly supervised sports including soccer, fencing, lacrosse, and golf, and directed NCAA compliance for 26 teams.
Her leadership has translated into consistent competitive and academic success. Stevens captured multiple conference championships across both the Empire 8 and MAC Freedom during her tenure, while her teams also earned recognition as a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Top 25 program on multiple occasions.
"I have focused on ensuring that every student-athlete has the academic, personal, and professional support needed to thrive beyond competition," said Haughey. "What draws me to Rutgers–Newark is its mission: empowering a diverse student body, enriching the local community, and leading with innovation. I am inspired by the university's emphasis on inclusive excellence and welcome the chance to advance that mission through athletics."
Haughey has also been instrumental in shaping department-wide initiatives, leading strategic planning efforts aligned with institutional priorities, chairing Title IX equity reviews, and partnering with admissions to enhance enrollment strategy and recruitment analytics.
A strong advocate for student-athlete development, Haughey founded the "Top of the V Leadership Academy," a comprehensive program designed to cultivate leadership skills among team captains and student-athletes. She has also made a significant impact in youth athletics as the founder of the Hunterdon Hoops program, where she has recruited, trained, and supervised coaches while managing operations, budgeting, and long-term planning.
Haughey earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Lafayette College and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, with a concentration in nonprofit management. She also holds a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion from Cornell University.