EDITOR’S NOTE: The forum initially scheduled for Thursday, March 14, was moved due to inclement weather and its impact on travel.
KEARNEY – Ron Prettyman, one of four finalists for the University of Nebraska at Kearney athletic director position, will be on campus Monday (March 18) to meet with the public and members of the UNK community.
A campus, media and community forum is scheduled for 4-5 p.m. in the Nebraskan Student Union Antelope Room.
Prettyman has worked in collegiate athletics for 35 years, with experience in budget management, strategic planning, NCAA compliance, fundraising, facilities administration, community relations, program management, staff recruitment and student-athlete development.
Most recently, he served as managing director of championships for the NCAA from 2016 to 2018, overseeing 17 championships, including Division I baseball, men’s hockey, women’s volleyball and football. In this role, he managed rules and officiating administration, developed a strategic plan for the College World Series, worked closely with TV networks on broadcasting contracts and organizing committees for host sites and managed a staff of professionals.
Prior to that position, Prettyman was athletic director at Indiana State University (Division I) from 2005 to 2016. During his tenure, the athletic department benefited from an $85 million capital campaign and successful annual campaigns, and he negotiated lucrative radio and television broadcasting contracts and secured corporate sponsorships.
Indiana State hosted WNIT preseason and postseason games and the Division I Cross Country Championships during his time at the school, and the university constructed a state-of-the-art weight training facility and track and field stadium and completed facility improvements for football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, golf and volleyball.
Prettyman, who was named NCAA/NACDA Administrator of the Year in 2004 and 2011, is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and Learfield Directors’ Cup Executive Committee. He was athletic director at California State University Dominguez Hills (Division II) from 1995 to 2005 and Vanguard University (NAIA) from 1983 to 1995.
Prettyman holds a Bachelor of Arts in physical education, education and recreation from Vanguard University and Master of Arts in Education from California State University Stanislaus.
