Dr. Rob Ramseyer has been chosen as the new athletic director at Friends University, replacing Dr. Carole Obermeyer, who recently retired from the position.
Dr. Ramseyer comes to Friends from Hesston College (Kan.), where he had most recently served as the school’s athletic director and vice president of student development.
“We are so pleased to have Rob lead our athletic department here at Friends,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University president. “He has a strong record of success in leading and mentoring student-athletes as well as fostering a faith-based athletic program that seeks to promote whole person development for our students.”
As the athletic director at Hesston, Dr. Ramseyer oversaw an Athletic Department that featured 14 teams.
Under Dr. Ramseyer, the first Athletic Department handbook was created and student-athlete retention increased.
He led an expansion of athletic rosters while developing and leading the implementation of the first philosophy of faith formation and athletic core covenants, in conjunction with crafting evaluation procedures to ensure successful execution.
He also guided the implementation and execution of live streaming athletic events along with promoting professional development by facilitating recruitment training for coaches in partnership with Tudor Recruiting Services.
A native of Wichita, Dr. Ramseyer also has significant coaching experience, as he held the role of head baseball coach at Hesston from 2011-15.
On the diamond, Dr. Ramseyer propelled the Hesston Larks to a 95-86 overall record during his four-year tenure and earned Region VI Baseball Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2014 after leading the team to the school record for wins in each of those campaigns.
He was also an assistant baseball coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University for four seasons while being in the role of recruiting coordinator and adjunct professor at the school.
“My family and I are excited to join the Friends University family,” Dr. Ramseyer said. “I would like to thank Dr. Carey and the search committee for this opportunity. I will look forward to working with the talented athletic department staff, coaches, and student-athletes to build upon recent successes and cultivate an environment that allows our student-athletes to grow in all areas of their lives because of their participation in athletics.”
Dr. Ramseyer finished his bachelor’s degree in History at MidAmerica Nazarene in 2006 and earned a Master of Science in Education in Sports Studies from the University of Kansas in 2010. He recently earned a Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University.
Dr. Ramseyer and wife Charlie have two daughters, Jane and Molly. He will begin his role at Friends starting July 9.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.