Dr. Jon Steinbrecher named 2025 Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Recipient ATHENS, OH (3/11/2025) – The Ohio University Center for Sports Administration is pleased to announce Dr. Jon Steinbrecher as the 2025 Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus. Steinbrecher, Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), is a 1984 graduate of the Ohio University Sports Administration program.
“This is an unexpected but deeply appreciated honor. I was privileged to be a part of Ohio University’s exceptional Sports Administration program during which I learned with and from talented and motivated classmates who strove to raise the bar. I was also introduced to the extensive and accomplished Ohio Sports Ad alumni network. I quickly learned I could depend on this incredible resource of human capital for insight and advice throughout my career,” Steinbrecher said.
“The culture of the Ohio Sports Ad program, students and alumni supporting each other, was built, and sustained by Dr. Higgins. Such a culture is real, and to my mind enhances the value of this program. To receive an award named in Doc’s honor is meaningful. I am grateful and proud to receive this recognition.”
During his career, Steinbrecher has led three Division I conferences – the Mid-Continent Conference (Summit League), Ohio Valley Conference, as well as the MAC. Steinbrecher currently serves as the eighth commissioner of the MAC and has provided leadership during a timeframe where intercollegiate athletics has rapidly evolved.
He is the longest tenured FBS Commissioner (16 years), as well as the longest tenured DI commissioner across three conferences (31 years). Steinbrecher is the only person to serve as commissioner in all three NCAA Division I Subdivisions (FBS, FCS, DI).
While at the MAC, Steinbrecher has helped lead and oversee efforts to elevate the conference and create an atmosphere centered on student-athletes’ success both on the field and in the classroom. Steinbrecher has led efforts to implement mental health services for MAC student-athletes, implemented the first conference-wide diversity and inclusion program, created a conference-wide internship program, and focused on the overall well-being of student-athletes and conference staff. He also helped launch an independent esports conference, which was the first of its kind in the collegiate landscape.
Since Steinbrecher’s initiation into the role, the MAC’s profile has grown tremendously. In 2014, a historic 13-year rights extension was announced with ESPN, along with on-campus production capabilities, which led to increased national coverage for many sports. Steinbrecher also implemented the MAC Digital Network which led to increases in viewership by more than 40%.
Steinbrecher similarly invested in the conference’s social media operation, placing the MAC consistently among the top three conferences in active engagement.
Steinbrecher has helped lead multiple branding efforts to help the MAC stand out in a crowded and competitive market. These include his ‘MACtion’ campaign as well as the ‘Fly The Flag’ campaign, helping grow the overall brand of the MAC.
Robert H. Freeman Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Sports Administration, Dr. Lamar Reams said, “Dr. Steinbrecher’s career accomplishments are truly distinguished. With a career spanning across four decades, he has positively impacted student-athletes, administrators, athletic directors, and conferences across all of college athletics. His work and continued support of the OU Sports Administration program and its students, embodies what it truly means to be recognized as the 2025 Doc Higgins Distinguished Alumnus. The department is grateful to have Dr. Steinbrecher as a near and dear friend and alumnus, and we look forward to honoring him this year during the program’s annual Symposium.”
Steinbrecher will receive the honor during the 53rd Ohio University Sports Administration Symposium event, set to take place from May 15-17, 2025. Steinbrecher and his late wife Anne have three children, Grace, Matt, and Will, along with two grandchildren. We are grateful for Steinbrecher’s continued support of our program and are thrilled to be able to present him with this award.
