Ryan Shelton, IU Northwest’s director of athletics, was recently named 2023-2024 CCAC Athletics Director of the Year.

Shelton was selected by a vote of his peers, the 11 other athletic directors in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

“His innovative approach to athletic administration, his ability to cultivate an environment where student athletes can thrive, and his strategic planning and resourcefulness have been pivotal in the continued growth and success IU Northwest has seen over the past few years,” said Jeff Schimmelpfennig, CCAC commissioner, in a press release.

Shelton joined IU Northwest as a marketing and communications specialist. He assumed head women’s basketball coaching responsibilities in 2007. Shelton turned the team into a four-time NAIA national tournament-qualifying program over the next 13 seasons.

Shelton also transitioned from his communications role to the director of athletics. He has held the position for the past seven years.

During his tenure, Shelton completed a strategic plan to advance the department’s operating budget and implemented increased scholarships in five sports. His fundraising efforts resulted in the program’s largest athletic gift in school history of $700,000.

These developments led to the renovation of the Savannah Center gymnasium, locker rooms, coaches’ offices and training rooms and a Hall of Champions exhibit.

“Ryan’s commitment to athletic excellence, his belief in enriching student-athlete experiences and the countless athletic program accomplishments that have occurred is truly representative and reflective of all that the NAIA stands for and represents,” said Interim Chancellor Vicki Román-Lagunas.

IU Northwest is one of seven campuses of Indiana University. The campus offers associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

(Photo provided by IU Northwest)