Baldwin Wallace Athletics

Steve Thompson enters his fifth year as Director of Athletics and Recreation at Baldwin Wallace University in 2024-25.

Thompson came to Berea after serving as the Director of Athletics at Bethany (W. Va.) College.  While at Bethany, he led and oversaw the daily operations of the Bisons' 21 intercollegiate athletic sports teams as well as created a new alumni engagement strategy, signed an agreement with BSN Sports and Nike to be the exclusive apparel provider and renewed a partnership with Riddell Corporation.

Prior to Bethany, Thompson was the Director of Athletics at Eureka (Ill.) College for four years and was the women's basketball head coach for three years.  As an athletic director, he made a series of upgrades and renovations to its athletics facilities under his leadership, including the Christine Bonati Bollwinkle Arena and Convocation Center which was dedicated in October 2015 and the addition of turf and lights to Peter FioRito Stadium at McKinzie Field in the summer of 2017.  As a coach, Thompson compiled a record of 45-36, including a 20-8 mark in 2016-17 that included a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, a berth into the NCAA Tournament and the SLIAC Coach of the Year Award.

Before Eureka, he was Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations at Kent State University from 2012-14.  He directed the day-to-day operations of several athletic facilities, including 25,000-seat Dix Stadium, home of the Golden Flash football team. Additionally, Thompson contributed to the strategic and long-term planning of the athletic department that encompassed the planning, renovation and construction of new field house locker rooms that served five Kent State programs.  He regularly worked with student groups and other campus organizations in the planning and implementation of the use of campus athletics facilities. Thompson also coordinated the game-day experience for Kent State football, including student involvement and alumni relations. His role in the events helped increase attendance to more than 85,000 fans for the 2013 season.

From 2007 through 2012, Thompson was Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations at Case Western Reserve University. He served as a member of the CWRU department management team, directing a staff of four full-time employees and 50 student assists in day-to-day operations of athletics facilities and student recreation center. Thompson oversaw facility planning, renovation and various construction projects that included upgrades in the natatorium and softball facility.

Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from The College of Wooster in 2001 and a Master of Science in sports administration from Kent State in 2007. While at Wooster, he was a three-year letterwinner and a team captain in men's basketball. He scored 780 points in 78 career appearances. The Fighting Scots won 75 games, two North Coast Athletic Conference regular season titles, three NCAC Tournament championships and secured three NCAA Division III Tournament bids.

Thompson, who is an avid golfer, has two children, Addison (9) and Luke (8).

What Others Are Saying About Thompson
"The BW Athletic Department is excited to welcome Steve Thompson as our new Athletic Director to help us realize the aspirations of all our student-athletes who proudly wear BW's colors." – Alan Kolp, Baldwin Wallace Faculty Athletics Representative and Search Committee Chair

I've known Steve Thompson as a friend and colleague for over 10 years now, and beyond being a talented Athletic Director, he's a proven leader with great integrity who is willing to do whatever it takes to see his programs succeed.  It's natural for him to roll up his sleeves, get in the trenches, and lead alongside his team and I couldn't be happier for my Alma Mater to have him as their new Director of Athletics.  Randale Richmond, Director of Athletics at Kent State University and Baldwin Wallace 2004 Alumnus.

"Steve Thompson is a servant leader who I have had the honor of calling my mentor. His dedication, work ethic, and above all else passion for empowering others inspires me daily. He has been a constant supportive presence when needed and a trusted resource and I look forward to seeing the success he will continue to have at Baldwin Wallace University."  Meighan Julbert – Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success, Bethany College

In my two decades of higher education administration, I have never known a more creative Athletic Director.  His passion enthusiasm and leadership are extraordinary.  He brings energy and integrity to the AD position.  Steve is a game-changer; Steve Thompson is a difference-maker.  - Retired US Navy Officer and Retired Senior Vice President at Eureka College Mike Murtagh

"As a college player, Steve Thompson made tremendous improvement during his career at Wooster due to hard work and perseverance. Steve understood what t it took to be successful as a college student-athlete. He has taken this knowledge along with some very quality experiences as a coach and administrator to grow into an excellent athletic administrator.  Steve will be very successful as the leader of the tradition rich Baldwin Wallace athletics program. Steve has the communication skills and personality to relate extremely will with his coaching staff and has the ability to help them achieve success." –Retired Wooster Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Steve Moore

As an Athletic Director, Steve Thompson brings the trifecta of focusing on the student part of student-athlete, celebrates a school's history and traditions in new and exciting ways, and engages the entire student body to support their classmates on the field and on the court.  He is an outstanding promoter and marketer of athletic excellence at the Division 3 level. – Dr. David Arnold, President Emeritus of Eureka College, where Thompson first served as an AD 

I just met Steve this year, but I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to work and play basketball for him.  I learned a lot about what it means to be a leader from him. If you went down a list of words that describe being a leader Steve would check all of them off.  He is dedicated, self-motivated, engaged, accountable, and more. Steve does all the little things to put the people around him in great positions to succeed. Although I will miss seeing him around campus, I wish him nothing but the best at Baldwin Wallace.  Makenzee Mason, President's Athletic Conference Basketball Newcomer of the Year, Scholar-Athlete at Bethany College

This page was last updatedon August 22, 2024