MARSHALL, Texas - East Texas Baptist University Senior Vice President for Campus Life and Director of Athletics Ryan Erwin has been named a recipient of the prestigious National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, commitment to student-athlete success, and impact on NCAA Division III athletics.

Erwin has led the ETBU athletics program for the past 9.5 years, guiding the Tigers to success in competition, the classroom, and the community. His leadership has helped elevate the university's athletic profile while strengthening the holistic development of student-athletes through academic achievement and Christian servant leadership.

"I'm deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from the NACDA. To represent ETBU and the incredible people who make it special means more to me than I can fully express. This award is not about me, it belongs to our student-athletes who compete with heart and character, our coaches and staff who pour themselves into mentoring young people, and a university community that believes in developing champions in faith, in the classroom, and in competition.  I'm grateful to serve alongside such remarkable people, and I share this honor with the ETBU family, who has helped build something truly meaningful," Erwin said.

At the national level, Erwin currently serves on the NCAA Division III Management Council, where he contributes to policy, governance, and the future direction of Division III athletics. He has also been a strong advocate for expanding opportunities in women's sports, supporting the advancement of Acrobatics and Tumbling to NCAA recognition in 2025 and championing the continued growth of women's flag football as an emerging sport in Division III.

Under Erwin's leadership, ETBU hosted multiple American Southwest Conference and NCAA postseason championship events in 2025, including men's and women's basketball, volleyball, softball, and baseball. These events showcased the university's ability to deliver exceptional championship experiences for student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.

"Throughout his career, Ryan Erwin has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, Christian servant leadership, and the development of student-athletes," ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. "I have had the privilege of knowing Ryan for more than two decades, and during his time at ETBU, he has elevated our athletics program while remaining deeply committed to our Christ-centered mission. His influence is seen in the success of our teams, the academic achievements of our student-athletes, and the meaningful ways ETBU athletics serves our community."

Erwin's emphasis on academic excellence has contributed to continued growth in student-athlete achievement, including national Academic All-America honors for ETBU student-athletes. Since his tenure began, the department's cumulative GPA has risen significantly from 3.01 in Fall 2016 to 3.34 in Fall 2025.

A defining aspect of Erwin's leadership is his dedication to the holistic development of student-athletes. He founded the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME), which integrates faith, service, and athletics through international mission opportunities. In 2025 alone, five ETBU athletic teams participated in international mission trips through the program.

Erwin's influence is also deeply felt within the Marshall and East Texas communities. ETBU teams regularly engage in service initiatives with local schools, food banks, youth programs, and community events.

In addition to his campus leadership, Ryan is active on regional and national boards and committees. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) and mentors new athletic directors through the NADIIIAA Mentor Program. He has previously served as a member of the NCAA Division III Football and Baseball Regional Advisory Committees. Locally, he serves on several boards, including the First Tee of the Piney Woods, the Marshall Community Advisory Council, Marshall Youth Softball Association, and Marshall Lakeside Country Club.