Louisiana Tech is announcing Ryan Ivey as its vice president and director of athletics. Ivey joins LA Tech with more than 18 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics — the past 11 as athletics director.
“The Louisiana Tech athletics brand is synonymous with excellence. When you think about the student-athletes, coaches, administrators and teams that have called this University home, it is really astounding. We have an opportunity to build upon, grow and establish future success,” Ivey said. “Our goal will be to build a nationally prominent athletics department with individuals that excel in everything that we do. We will be relentless in our pursuit of excellence, respecting those that have come before us, but building and charting our own path and successes. Now is the time to be part of this amazing University and department!”
Ivey has served as athletics director at Stephen F. Austin since July 2018. During his tenure he led the department through a conference transition, raised private support including securing the 4 largest single gifts in the department’s history, increased ticket sales by 189 percent, and completed more than $30 million in facility improvements.
“Ryan brings the experience, leadership, and understanding of intercollegiate athletics that we were looking for,” President Jim Henderson said. “As an athletics director for more than a decade, he is fully aware of the expectations this role carries. We could not be more excited to welcome him and his family to Ruston to lead our Bulldogs and Lady Techsters into a new era of competitive excellence.”
Ivey, a graduate of The University of Memphis, has also served as athletics director at Austin Peay State University and Texas A&M University-Commerce. No stranger to Louisiana, prior to his most recent roles, he spent nearly six years at McNeese State University. Ivey will officially take the helm at Tech next month.
“My family and I are truly humbled and excited to be joining the Louisiana Tech family. It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead this historic and well-respected athletics department,” Ivey continued. “I want to thank Dr. Henderson and the members of the search committee for their trust and faith in my abilities to lead this department. This is such an exciting time for Louisiana Tech University and the athletics department, and I cannot wait to get started!”
Ivey was selected following a national search that attracted dozens of well-qualified applicants. Led by President Henderson, the search committee included Mary Kay Hungate, interim athletics director; Dr. Donna Thomas, provost; Mortissa Harvey, director of Title IX compliance; and Steve Davison, community member.
“The ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics demands a nimble leader committed to not only reacting to the whims of business and policy but one committed to proactively positioning the department for success,” Henderson continued. “Ryan is fully prepared for the task of advancing Louisiana Tech athletics along with our coaches, support staff, and most importantly, our more than 350 student athletes.”
Ivey will make his debut on campus at a welcome event for media at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 29th in the Davison Athletics Complex at Joe Aillet Stadium.
