RIPON, Wis. -- Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Schumacher will retire from collegiate athletics following a distinguished 33-year career, effective June 1, 2026. His tenure marks a period of meaningful advancement for Ripon College Athletics, defined by program expansion, student-athlete support and competitive success.

Schumacher, who succeeded Ryan Kane in June 2023, oversaw a period of strategic growth for Ripon College athletics. The department expanded opportunities with the addition of Esports and women's flag football and enhanced student-athlete support by joining the Opendorse NIL Marketplace. Ripon also prioritized well-being and development, with staff completing Mental Health First Aid certification through the NCAA, facility upgrades improving the student-athlete experience, and targeted fundraising campaigns through the annual Hour-A-Thon. 

Ripon College Athletics experienced strong competitive success during Schumacher's tenure. The Red Hawks have won seven Midwest Conference championships, including women's basketball (3), men's track and field (2) and women's track and field (2). Ripon student-athletes also performed well in the classroom, earning six Midwest Conference Elite 20 Awards since 2023.

"Ripon College has been fortunate to benefit from Shoe's leadership during this sustained period of progress and innovation," said President Victoria N. Folse. "Our athletics programs are stronger, more inclusive, and better positioned for the future."

Before joining Ripon College, Schumacher served as Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Director of Track and Field Operations at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he also taught and was named to an endowed position in social justice. A Wisconsin native, he earned advanced degrees from University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and completed DEI certification at Cornell University. A Hall of Fame student-athlete and highly decorated coach, he achieved All-American honors, national titles and multiple national and regional Coach of the Year awards. 

Schumacher expressed gratitude for his time at Ripon College and the broader campus community. "My life has been centered around athletics, and I feel fortunate to have served as Director of Athletics in such a remarkable college setting," said Schumacher. "I will miss seeing our student-athletes practice and compete each day and the connections that make this place special."

Schumacher said he is most looking forward to returning to Illinois to spend time with his wife Amy, a fourth grade teacher, and spending more time with family, including their grandson.

Ripon College will immediately begin a national search for its next Vice President and Director of Athletics, building on the strong foundation established in recent years.