"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:6-8
Ryan Erwin has served as the Vice President for Athletics and Director of Athletics at East Texas Baptist University since August of 2016 and added the role of Vice President for Student Engagement in 2020. Erwin previously served as Director of Athletics at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, and Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, Texas.
Since arriving at ETBU, Erwin has helped implement several new sports at ETBU, including acrobatics and tumbling, bass fishing, beach volleyball, ice hockey, lacrosse, and men's and women's golf. Erwin’s leadership has led to many facility upgrades throughout campus, including the construction of an indoor, on-campus golf training facility, a new softball stadium and clubhouse, remodel of the football team room, the installation of artificial turf at Ornelas Stadium (football), Woods Field (baseball), and Taylor Field (softball). In addition, Erwin lead a full remodel of the Maxwell Strength Center and the Dean Healthplex, which included new equipment, flooring, and branding, while also adding padded outfield walls at the baseball and softball fields for enhanced player safety. ETBU also started the Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME), which gives student-athletes the opportunity to travel internationally and share their faith through their God-given athletic talents and abilities. Erwin was instrumental in securing a licensing agreement with Learfield Licensing, negotiating a department-wide exclusive Nike contract through BSN Sports, launching a new athletic website through Sidearm, introducing an online ticketing system, and increasing the ETBU student athlete grade point average during his tenure. While at ETBU, Erwin has served as the chair of the American Southwest Conference Directors of Athletics and on the NCAA Division III Baseball West Regional Advisory Committee.
Erwin’s experience in athletic leadership as Director of Athletics at two NCAA Division II programs has proven to strengthen ETBU’s athletic department. From his time at Rogers State University and Dallas Baptist University, Erwin has set higher standards in each position improving and increasing academic performance, athletic success, fundraising, student engagement, community service, and branding. During his time in Oklahoma, Erwin guided Rogers State through their approval process to NCAA Division II from NAIA. He also secured a licensing agreement to protect the Rogers State athletic brand and launched an online athletic store selling its products.
With 20 years of collegiate experience in administration from sports information, compliance, and administration, Erwin has been able to help mold and shape three departments along with being a part of numerous committees. He led the Heartland Conference as the chair of athletic directors for eight years, was a member of the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors, and served on the NCAA Division II Mentoring Program.
Starting his athletic leadership career at Dallas Baptist University, Erwin spent 10 years as a Patriot working in several capacities. He worked his way up to Director of Athletics after starting as the Director of Sports Information and then Compliance Director. In 2006, he moved into the role as the Director of Athletics serving there for seven years. He was an integral part of the strategic planning and fundraising efforts to help improve athletic facilities, including the building of Horner Ballpark ($9 million baseball facility), $1.5 million renovation of Burg Gymnasium, construction of new athletic and intramural fields, expansion of athletic training and player development facilities, and remodeling of team locker and meeting room areas. He also oversaw the development of six club sports. Erwin also coached the DBU hockey team and was instrumental in the implementation of a comprehensive discipleship-based ministry program and a global sports mission program.
Erwin’s career has also had a major impact on academics and community service at the universities where he has served. His emphasis on bettering the student-athlete improved the overall grade point average at Rogers State, Dallas Baptist, and ETBU. Being a part of the Claremore, Oklahoma community Erwin invested in the people and town around him. He spent time serving on the Threat Review and Assessment Committee (TARC), Rogers County Trust Authority, and the Rogers County Friends of Scouts and Children’s Advocacy Center.
He and his wife, Kristy, have two children, Gage and Gentry, and live in Marshall. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Communication from DBU with a minor in Biblical Studies and Psychology. He holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration. Erwin serves on the Board of several organizations in the area, including the First Tee of the Piney Woods, Marshall Community Advisory Council, Marshall Youth Softball Association, Visit Marshall, and the City of Marshall Quality of Life Taskforce. He is an adjunct faculty member at ETBU and attends Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall.