Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the largest county in Maryland and home to more than 150,000 students. With so many students, comes so many student athletes. For a majority of MCPS students, sports games, practices or team gatherings are a part of their every day routines. Behind every game, schedule, safety protocol and new athletic opportunity is the person making it all possible: the Director of Systemwide Athletics, Dr. Jeffery Sullivan.
Holding the role of the Director of Systemwide Athletics is no simple task. Dr. Sullivan leads the entire athletics program for MCPS. This includes 25 high schools and 40 middle schools. His job consists of program operations like scheduling, budgeting, facilities, sports medicine, media, promotions, compliance, human resource management and so much more. His job goes even further than the program operations. “At the end of the day, I believe my job is to create spaces for people to thrive and then support the people in those spaces, across MCPS Athletics and beyond. Over the years, my impact has expanded across the state of Maryland, nationally, and internationally,” Dr. Sullivan stated.
Sullivan’s journey in athletics began as a coach, where he worked in soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball. He then served as athletic director at both Paint Branch and Clarksburg High Schools before moving to MCPS Central Office as an athletics specialist. After four and a half years in that role, he stepped into his current position, where he has now served for nine years.
“I love sports and believe in the benefits of participating in interscholastic athletics,” Sullivan said. “For student-athletes, coaches, schools, and entire communities.” Athletics represents one of the most powerful learning environments students can experience. He believes the lessons students learn from sports often mirror the challenges they will face later in life. “For instance, learning to deal with defeats, especially when you have played really well or maybe even the game of your life,” he said. “This is no different than nailing a job interview and then receiving the call that you weren’t selected.” Sullivan recommends participating in sports for many reasons. Some benefits include physical, mental, and social emotional skills.
During his time at Paint Branch High School, Sullivan met a role model that inspired him. Jeanette Dixon, who was the principal during the time, had a major impact on his career path. She hired him at 25 years old to be the athletic director. She saw potential in him that he had yet to find. After seven great years working for Dixon, the opportunity to work as the Clarksburg High School Athletic Director position arose. Dixon encouraged Sullivan to take the opportunity. “Ms. Dixon taught me two big leadership lessons: see the potential in others and push them to reach and exceed that potential; and, when someone has an opportunity to further their career and grow, don’t hold them back, encourage them to spread their wings and fly. I have tried to do this throughout my career with others,” Sullivan stated.
When Sullivan stepped into his role as the Director of Systemwide Athletics, he had some changes to make. “My first goal was to build a strong foundation and refocus our “why.” We embarked on a collaborative process for establishing our vision, mission, purpose, and core values. Our R.A.I.S.E. core values were born: Respect & Sportsmanship, Academic Excellence, Integrity & Character, Spirited, Safe Competition, and Equity and Access. Since that time, it has been my charge to live our core values and champion our program in every way,” Sullivan said. Since the creation of R.A.I.S.E, students have had clear expectations and athletes have been given core values to grow, even past their sport.
Sullivan is most proud of the MCPS sports medicine program, which partners with MedStar Health to keep school sports safe. Another proud program is the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, known as SALC. SALC is for student athletes who serve as leaders within the MCPS education based interscholastic athletics program. An internationally recognized program Sullivan is behind is the Pickleball Diplomacy initiative. This is a program which uses the sport of pickleball to foster U.S.-China relations. “It has been so inspiring to lead this initiative and watch our student ambassadors grow and learn through life-changing experiences. We have also been successful at enhancing equity across the program, genders, sports, schools,” Sullivan said. He has also added new sports to MCPS athletics like girls’ flag football and pickleball. This spring, STUNT is being piloted. “I’m proud of the fact that our program has improved in most major areas during my tenure.” Sullivan said.
Everyday is different for Sullivan. He works in an office with his team, who he supports. He makes a point to attend as many events as possible and loves watching MCPS student athletes and coaches in their element. Sullivan is very involved within the state and is currently serving as the president of the state athletic association.
For the future of the MCPS athletics program, Sullivan hopes to continue to be innovative and on the cutting edge of programming and sport offerings. “I want each and every student to feel welcome and find a home in MCPS Athletics, regardless of their background, experience, and other factors that may be roadblocks,” Sullivan said.
