Brian Coughlin, Associate Vice President for Student Development in the Division of Student Affairs, received the 2017 Rev. John Francis “Pop” Farley, C.S.C. Award at the Division’s annual year-end reception in May. The award, established in 1977 in honor of Fr. Farley, recognizes distinguished service to student life at the University of Notre Dame.

Coughlin has served Notre Dame’s Division of Student Affairs for 19 years. His extraordinary commitment to both the students and staff are exemplified in the departments he oversees, which include the Office of Community Standards, the Gender Relations Center, Multicultural Student Programs & Services, the Office of Student Enrichment, RecSports, the Student Activities Office, Student Media and the Notre Dame Band. He is also the advisor to the undergraduate student body officers.

Before being named the Associate Vice President for Student Development, Coughlin served in the role of Assistant Vice President from 2007 to 2010 and Director of Student Activities from 2001 to 2007, leading the Student Activities Office through a period of substantial growth. Previously, Coughlin served as the rector of Carroll Hall.

For nearly 20 years, Coughlin has coached the Notre Dame Women’s Water Polo Club, which has remained in the top 12 nationally ranked club teams since 2001. He was named club Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Water Polo Association in 2009 and 2015.

Coughlin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Theology from Notre Dame in 1995 and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University in 1997.