Callahan Named UWW Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Information for the following story provided by the staff of University Marketing and Communications.

Chancellor Dwight C. Watson announced the appointment of Ryan Callahan as the next director of intercollegiate athletics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Watson said that Callahan was selected because of his past experiences as a Warhawk athlete, coach and budget manager.  Callahan was currently the interim director, serving in that capacity since May of 2019 following the departure of Todd Garzarelli.

Callahan first served as assistant director for two years. As interim director, he has managed a budget of approximately $5 million while guiding the department’s coaches and staff in the marketing, promotion and advancement of championship-caliber athletic programs. Projects that were planned or took place under his tenure include the building of the new tennis locker room and expansion project ($300,000), the Perkins Stadium turf replacement project, starting in May of 2021 ($979,000), and securing a $500,000 gift for women’s athletics and wrestling from an individual donor. Critically, Callahan also led the athletic department and recreational sports through the COVID-19 pandemic, working with each group and partners across campus to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students as facilities were re-opened.

Callahan, who earned a BSE in elementary/middle school education and a minor in coaching in 2004 and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction in 2009,will assume the role of athletic director on July 1, 2021.