Celebrating Alumni – Jon-Eric Sullivan

2000 Graduate Promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel for NFL’s Green Bay Packers

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Students are the focus of Gardner-Webb University’s mission. Faculty members seek to engage students with unique, experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for their next steps. Whether they choose to begin a career or accept the academic challenges of graduate school, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve.

Additionally, through GWU’s supportive and diverse Christian community, alumni, such as Jon-Eric Sullivan, are inspired to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others.

Sullivan, who was named a GWU Distinguished Alumnus in 2021, was promoted over the summer to vice president of player personnel for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. Sullivan is a 2000 graduate of Gardner-Webb where he was a wide receiver with the Runnin’ Bulldogs. Sullivan also served as a student assistant coach for the ‘Dawgs in 2001. In 2003, he joined the Packers as an intern and has moved through the ranks with the organization, where he’s served for nearly two decades. He is the son of longtime NFL and college coach Jerry Sullivan, who spent 40 years in the profession. In a recent conversation, Sullivan also shared the following with GW staff:

• What makes Gardner-Webb different: Teachers invest in you as a student and truly care about you.  
• What he thought his career would be as a kid: Although he always thought he’d want to be a coach, he knew that in some way he wanted to be connected to football. He grew up surrounded by it, and it taught him a lot about life and character.
• Most memorable experience so far with the Packers: The 2010-‘11 season and winning the Superbowl against The Pittsburg Steelers 31-25.   

Stay connected

Gardner-Webb’s faculty and staff are eager to hear about and celebrate alumni news and success. There are three ways to share your story with us:

• Contact a faculty member.
• Touch base with Alumni Relations.
• Share your story here.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.