RIPON, Wis. — Today Ripon College announced the appointment of Rich Warren as its next Vice President and Director of Athletics. Warren joins Ripon College from Hanover College, where he served as Associate Vice President for Athletics, and brings with him a distinguished background as a decorated student-athlete, successful coach and results-driven administrator.
"Rich embodies everything we look for in a leader — a deep commitment to student-athlete success, a vision that informs and extends beyond the athletic department, and a genuine connection to the values that make Ripon College special. We are eager for him to get started," said President Dr. Victoria N. Folse.
A Champion's Foundation
Warren's passion for athletics was shaped early by the mentorship of his father, whose influence set him on a path toward coaching and athletic administration. A three-time national champion in the high jump at Bethel University, Warren went on to build a coaching career that included stops as a high school track and field coach, a Division I assistant and head coach at the University of Hartford and a volunteer assistant at The Ohio State University.
"Athletics has always been about relationships for me," said Warren. "The reason I got into this field was because of what it meant to connect with people. That's what I want to bring to Ripon: a department built on genuine relationships, mentorship, and a commitment to our student-athletes' growth on and off the field of play."
Broad Administrative Experience
Intentional in his professional development, Warren pursued experience across multiple institutional areas, including admissions and advancement, to prepare himself for campus-wide leadership. At Hanover College, he works collaboratively across athletics and the broader campus community on initiatives tied to operations, fundraising, facility enhancements, and student-athlete success, supporting more than 500 student-athletes across 22 varsity programs. His selection for the NCAA Pathways Program, receipt of the NADIIIAA Transitioning Administrator Award, and service on the NCAA Division III Track & Field and Cross Country Rules Committee reflect a career defined by values-driven leadership and meaningful impact at both the institutional and national levels.
Why Ripon
Warren cited Ripon's leadership, institutional momentum, and distinct academic identity as key factors in his decision. "I am confident in the vision of this institution," he said. "Ripon is a place where you can have sustained success, you see it athletically and academically. Ripon has a growth mindset, and that's exactly the kind of environment where I want to lead."
Warren will relocate to Ripon with his wife, Erica, and their daughter, Maxine or Max (nearly 3). The family looks forward to becoming active members of the Ripon community.
Warren will start June 1st and provides a seamless transition as current Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Schumacher retires from collegiate athletics.
