GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Ken Ralph has decided to retire as Southwestern's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Pirates leader announced his last day in the role will be December 16th of 2026. He concludes his tenure having served in the AD chair for more than 24 years total at four different institutions and 37 years total in collegiate athletics.
Ralph joined our community in 2022 as his dedication to this university has been nothing short of extraordinary in terms of program improvements and always being there for our students both on and off the playing field. His legacy at Southwestern will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the people that were inspired along the way, being present at every single Pirates home game in any condition.
During his time at SU, Ralph was instrumental in several initiatives including locker room improvements, a new team film room, a recruiting lounge, a content creation studio, baseball facility upgrades, field lighting upgrades, the golf lab, and branding upgrades. This month the university will complete construction on the Multipurpose Sports Complex to serve as the new home for football and lacrosse with the recently announced renovations to the Robertson Center beginning in March.
Ken has invested just as much in the people behind our programs. He helped launch the Pirate Athletic Association to build support for our student-athletes and established a partnership with Ascension Texas to expand sports medicine services. Our student-athletes and coaches have given us much to celebrate during his tenure. Pirate teams advanced to conference championship matches in men's soccer, volleyball, and men's lacrosse, while men's basketball earned its first conference tournament victory in a decade. Individual Pirates won conference event titles and achieved national recognition, including Arden Neff's All-American finish in the 400-meter hurdles and Lukas Nowlin's national runner-up finish in the high jump.
"I'm so grateful to have been able to serve Southwestern University." said Ralph. "The students, staff, and location combine to make this an amazing place. Looking back over 24+ years in the AD chair, I'm humbled by the experiences I've been able to enjoy. I'm especially grateful to the thousands of students who have allowed me to be a part of their life's journey. The student interactions make the job special."
The Pirate community is grateful that Ken has agreed to remain connected with Pirate Athletics. He will serve on the search committee for our next athletic director and assist with onboarding. Ken is also a gifted educator, and we will explore ways for him to continue working with students. Ralph, who previously served as Athletic Director at Maine, Colorado College, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will assist Muhvic in an advisory role during the transition and beyond.
Some more long-time Pirate Athletics Administrators and Coaches commented on Ralph's impact on the University. "Ken was a game changer for our department in so many ways," said Associate Director of Athletics Billy Porter. "The leadership he demonstrated and stability he brought to Athletics was exceptional. We will miss him more than he knows and will forever be grateful for everything he did for us."
"The detail, dedication, and genuine care that Ken has for our student-athletes is felt by all of them and appreciated by our coaching staff," said Head Softball Coach & Senior Woman Administrator Alexis Lynn. "It's a prideful feeling to see our Athletic Director at every single home event and congratulating each member of the teams. I've enjoyed getting to stand next to him during volleyball, basketball, soccer, and baseball games and seeing his immense passion for our Pirates teams. I don't know anyone who knows the ins and outs of every sport we have the way Ken does!"
"Ken exuded a passion to lift up and impact a student athletes experience on the Southwestern campus, within their athletic department experience and within their sport," said Head Volleyball Coach Don Flora. "The department and the volleyball program will miss Ken's focus on making each day and each season better."
"What truly sets Ken apart is his warmth and supportive presence, I don't think he has missed a home game while he's been here," said Senior Associate Director of Athletics Glenn Schwab. "He has created a supportive environment in the department where staff and coaches feel supported, and student-athletes know he cares about them and their experience on this campus."
Ken's impact will be visible in our facilities and felt in the opportunities available to Pirate student-athletes for years to come. Please join us in thanking him for his leadership and congratulating him on his retirement. We will announce a search process for our next director of intercollegiate athletics soon.
