Ryan Erlacher (er-lacker) was named the Vice President for Athletics at William Jewell on July 1, 2026 and leads all operations for the Cardinal Athletics Department.
Prior to Jewell, Erlacher served as the Director of Athletics at Augusta University (GA) for four seasons. During his time at AU, he ushered in a new era, announcing a new partnership with Under Armour/BSN Sports as the official apparel provider for Jaguar athletics and spearheaded the creation and induction of the first Augusta Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025. That same year, he announced the addition of indoor track & field to Augusta’s sports sponsorship along with bringing on board the program’s first full-time strength and conditioning coach. Externally, the department experienced record-breaking fundraising numbers, created new community partnership programs and raised over $6M during his time in Augusta.
Athletics facility enhancements were a priority under Erlacher’s leadership, and the department saw significant growth in this area. The Christenberry Fieldhouse saw a $5M+ exterior renovation that included a modern new exterior skin, updated locker rooms, digital message ticker, branding throughout the arena, and enhanced entrances. The department opened its first standalone Sports Performance Center in 2025, serving as a training facility for student-athletes. The baseball stadium received a 450-capacity permanent seating structure with a press box, a massive new electronic scoreboard, updated outfield wall system, new batting cages and field lights while softball also received new batting cages, a 250-capacity permanent seating structure, and stadium branding. Additionally, new locker room facilities were created for the cross country, track and tennis programs.
The Jaguars excelled in competition during Erlacher’s time on campus as seen by 13 teams earning conference championships between 2022-2026 while eighteen teams made NCAA postseason appearances and numerous teams were ranked in the NCAA Top 25, several for the first time in program history. Outside of competition, the Jags excelled in the classroom, setting new program records for highest department wide grade point average and number of teams and student-athletes earning a 3.0 or higher GPA. In addition, AU became a pillar in the community, earning a Top 10 NCAA community engagement ranking and being named an NCAA Division II Award of Excellence finalist in 2024 and national runner-up in 2025.
Prior to AU, Erlacher served as the chief athletics administrator at Clayton State University (GA), where the athletics program experienced unprecedented success under his leadership. Known as an innovative, transformational, and student-athlete-centered leader, he led CSU to achieve significant growth in multiple areas and left his mark on Laker Nation. During his time with the Lakers, CSU posted their highest finish in both the Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup and Learfield IMG Director's Cup. In addition, the department saw approximately 50% of their programs qualify for NCAA Division II postseason competition and 90% of teams qualify for PBC postseason play.
External support reached all-time highs during his tenure as community partnerships thrived, experiencing a 225% increase in the total number of partners, accounting for a 580% rise in overall partnership values. During the University's Day of Giving, Laker Athletics experienced unprecedented heights raising over $300,000 in four years setting records for number of donors and funds raised. During his time with the program, the athletics reserve increased 1,500% and the foundation account by 340%.
Academic success and community engagement also reached all-time highs, with the department achieving above a 3.0 GPA for eight consecutive semesters and earning the program’s highest GPA is school history. This led the Lakers to earn the PBC President's Academic Award for three consecutive years (2019, 2021 & 2022). The programs efforts in the community lead to a #4 NCAA DII national ranking for number of community service hours completed. In 2021, the Lakers were named a finalist for the 2021 NCAA Award of Excellence.
Prior to CSU, Erlacher was the sr. associate AD at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Fla. for seven years and served in various athletics roles at Florida State, Stetson University (FL), and Northwood University (FL). He earned a bachelor's degree in sport management from Flagler College and a master's degree in sport administration from Florida State. He and his wife Kellie reside in Kansas City with their two children, Austin and Isabelle.
