Athletic Director



Director of Intercollegiate Athletics - Leadership Profile


	Welcome to Warhawk Athletics! As you browse the website, tour our campus or attend an athletic contest, you will find UW-Whitewater Intercollegiate Athletics to be completely dedicated to the academic, athletic and personal success of the student-athletes in our care. A quality collegiate athletic experience begins with excellence in coaching, conference and national competitions, facilities and administration…all of which you will find right here. We’ll provide a winning atmosphere…all you’ll need is a winning attitude! -Ryan Callahan, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

MISSION STATEMENT
The Warhawk Athletics Department is driven by a constant pursuit of excellence, innovation, engagement and collaboration. These pursuits collectively enhance the educational experience of our student-athletes. We provide an environment that supports the missionof the University and a championship experience. As we forward a tradition of excellence, we are committed to the personal, social, career and leadership enhancement of our student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We are also committed to maintaining a welcoming, inviting and sincere athletics community, and champion equity, diversity and inclusion in our department. UW-Whitewater athletics, which is powered by a tradition of national success, brings credit to the University and is a source of pride and enthusiasm for all members of the Warhawk family.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The UW-Whitewater Athletics Strategic Themes are framed in terms of our well-recognized brand of “Powered by Tradition”, which is defined by a long-standing, relentless pursuit of excellence by our student-athletes, coaches and administrative staff. Rather than rest on what we’ve accomplished in the past, we continue to reach new levels of success through innovative, collaborative and progressive methods. Our strategic plan captures not only who we are, but also our aspirations for the future. Winning and a constant pursuit of excellence in competition. Develop and evaluate methods to improve our ability to effectively and efficiently recruit nationally. Collaborate with the broader campus to articulate the value of a strong athletics program to help achieve campus related goals. Finish in the top 10 of the Learfield Athletic Director’s Cup annually. Academic excellence with an expectation of graduation. Work collaboratively with campus colleagues to support high academic standards. Improve and develop programs that meet the academic needs of student-athletes. Foster and support opportunities for co-curricular engagement in all areas of campus life. Produce higher grade point averages, retention and graduation rates when compared to the UW-Whitewater general student population. Engagement of the whole student-athlete through a commitment to the personal, social, career and leadership enhancement of our student-athletes. Provide opportunities for student-athlete development at the local, regional, national and international levels. Focus on strategic partnerships with the UW-Whitewater campus and Greater Whitewater community. Foster and support opportunities for co-curricular engagement by way of student opportunities on campus and in the community Devote resources to create programming focusing on the health, wellness and sport performance needs of student-athletes. Exceptional experiences for student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans. Create, and continuously review a facilities development and maintenance plan. Create a systematic approach to support exceptional student-athlete experiences by providing resources in facilities, staffing and funding which support success in athletics, academics and life. Improve facilities, staffing and resources department wide and encourage professional development for growth and advancement. Creating an environment of innovative leadership with a priority on competition, respect and integrity. Develop relationships with alumni and friends that inspire a philanthropic mindset through engagement programming and communication strategies. Support a positive game day experience by enhancing and cultivating relationships to engage fans. Encourage attendance and participation at athletic events through innovative programming, interactive activities and traditions that help develop a competitive environment to support our teams and student-athletes. Warhawk Athletics is dedicated to support campus goals and objectives along with these strategic themes centered on integrity, sportsmanship, accountability, fiscal responsibility and financial sustainability.