University of New Hampshire Athletics
Ryan Colton Named UNH Director of Athletics
7/27/2026 1:00:00 PM | General
Veteran D-I athletics administrator brings strategic leadership, student-athlete focus and championship vision
DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire has appointed Ryan Colton as the next Director of Athletics. Colton, who currently serves as deputy athletics director and chief of staff at the University of Richmond, will lead UNH's 20-sport NCAA Division I athletics program and join the University's senior leadership team.
"Ryan has the vision, experience, and judgment to lead UNH Athletics at a pivotal moment in college sports," said Elizabeth S. Chilton, UNH President. "He understands the rapidly changing Division I landscape and what it will take to position our programs for sustained competitive success. Just as important, he recognizes that athletics is an integral part of the university. His focus on strong connections across campus and on the whole student-athlete will help ensure our students succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in their lives after graduation."
Colton brings 15 years of senior leadership experience in Division I athletics and higher education. During his eight years with the University of Richmond, a nationally recognized Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program whose football teams competed against UNH for many years as CAA rivals, Colton helped lead the department through a period of significant growth and change while serving as the athletics director's chief advisor on strategic and operational matters. He oversaw a broad portfolio that included business operations, human resources, legal affairs, compliance, name, image and likeness initiatives, student-athlete conduct and implementation of emerging NCAA policies. He also played a key role in the restructuring and rebranding of the Spider Athletic Fund, helping drive sustained fundraising growth and record-setting annual giving results, while contributing to the development of the university's NIL strategy and student-athlete development initiatives.
"The University of New Hampshire represents everything I value about higher education and intercollegiate athletics: a commitment to student success, access to opportunity and the pursuit of excellence," Colton said. "I am honored to join the UNH community and grateful to President Chilton and the search committee for the opportunity to lead Wildcat Athletics. Together with our coaches, staff, alumni and supporters, we will build on UNH's proud tradition by pursuing championships, fostering academic achievement and creating transformational opportunities for our student-athletes while strengthening the University's connection to communities across New Hampshire and New England."
Before joining Richmond, Colton began his collegiate athletics administrative career in his native New England at two Hockey East Association-affiliated institutions. He served as assistant athletics director at the College of the Holy Cross, where he contributed to the administration of the Division I athletics compliance program, supported NCAA education and policy initiatives and oversaw several varsity sport programs. Previously, he served as special assistant to the director of athletics at Providence College, where he worked on strategic projects and initiatives on behalf of the department.
In addition to his athletics leadership experience, Colton has held several public service and legal positions, including serving as a city councilor and council president in Taunton, Mass., practicing law in private practice and serving as a staff member in the Massachusetts State Senate.
Colton previously chaired the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Committee and has participated in several national leadership development programs, including the Sports Management Institute Executive Program and the NACDA Mentoring Institute. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Bucknell University, where he was a quarterback for the Bison football team. He subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston, completed postgraduate studies at Choate Rosemary Hall and is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, where he practiced law from 2008-13.
Colton and his wife, Brittany, are the parents of two children, Grady and Ella.
"Ryan emerged as an exceptional leader whose values align closely with those of the University of New Hampshire," said Debbie Dutton, president of the UNH Foundation, vice president for University Advancement and search committee chair. "The committee was impressed by his authenticity, strategic thinking and ability to bring people together around a common purpose."
Colton succeeds Allison Rich, who led UNH Athletics from 2022-26.
CSA Search & Consulting assisted the University with the national search. The firm partnered with UNH to identify and recruit candidates from across the country and helped guide the search process.
Additional details regarding Colton's start date and introductory event will be announced at a later date.
What They're Saying About Ryan Colton
"Ryan has earned the trust and admiration of colleagues across the University of Richmond through his sound judgment, tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. He has helped the Spiders navigate a period of unprecedented change in college athletics with integrity, foresight and a steady focus on student-athletes. New Hampshire is gaining an exceptional administrator and trusted leader who has made a profound impact at Richmond."
-----John P. Hardt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, University of Richmond
"The University of New Hampshire has found an exceptionally collaborative and transformational leader in Ryan Colton. Ryan is a visionary who has a complete understanding of how to build an enduring championship culture through strategic planning, clear communication and building excellent relationships with all constituents. His tenacity and 'We, not me' leadership style will be a great asset to UNH Athletics and the entire UNH community."
-----Bob Driscoll, retired Director of Athletics, Providence College
"Ryan Colton is a home run hire for the University of New Hampshire. First and foremost, he is an outstanding person and a man of the highest character. Ryan possesses all the qualities of an exceptional leader. He is intelligent, thoughtful, poised, supportive and innovative. He understands what success looks like at the highest levels of collegiate athletics and will bring that experience and vision to UNH. He will be an outstanding partner both on and off campus and a trusted resource for coaches, staff and student-athletes."
-----David Berard, Head Men's Hockey Coach, Stonehill College
"What an outstanding hire for UNH! And what a perfect fit for Ryan and the university. Working with Ryan has given me the pleasure of working alongside one of the best administrators in the country. There's no doubt that UNH will make incredible strides with Ryan Colton at the helm."
-----Aaron Roussell, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Virginia
About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from 50 states and 87 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIH, and received over $250 million in competitive external funding in FY24 to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
"Ryan has the vision, experience, and judgment to lead UNH Athletics at a pivotal moment in college sports," said Elizabeth S. Chilton, UNH President. "He understands the rapidly changing Division I landscape and what it will take to position our programs for sustained competitive success. Just as important, he recognizes that athletics is an integral part of the university. His focus on strong connections across campus and on the whole student-athlete will help ensure our students succeed in competition, in the classroom, and in their lives after graduation."
Colton brings 15 years of senior leadership experience in Division I athletics and higher education. During his eight years with the University of Richmond, a nationally recognized Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program whose football teams competed against UNH for many years as CAA rivals, Colton helped lead the department through a period of significant growth and change while serving as the athletics director's chief advisor on strategic and operational matters. He oversaw a broad portfolio that included business operations, human resources, legal affairs, compliance, name, image and likeness initiatives, student-athlete conduct and implementation of emerging NCAA policies. He also played a key role in the restructuring and rebranding of the Spider Athletic Fund, helping drive sustained fundraising growth and record-setting annual giving results, while contributing to the development of the university's NIL strategy and student-athlete development initiatives.
"The University of New Hampshire represents everything I value about higher education and intercollegiate athletics: a commitment to student success, access to opportunity and the pursuit of excellence," Colton said. "I am honored to join the UNH community and grateful to President Chilton and the search committee for the opportunity to lead Wildcat Athletics. Together with our coaches, staff, alumni and supporters, we will build on UNH's proud tradition by pursuing championships, fostering academic achievement and creating transformational opportunities for our student-athletes while strengthening the University's connection to communities across New Hampshire and New England."
Before joining Richmond, Colton began his collegiate athletics administrative career in his native New England at two Hockey East Association-affiliated institutions. He served as assistant athletics director at the College of the Holy Cross, where he contributed to the administration of the Division I athletics compliance program, supported NCAA education and policy initiatives and oversaw several varsity sport programs. Previously, he served as special assistant to the director of athletics at Providence College, where he worked on strategic projects and initiatives on behalf of the department.
In addition to his athletics leadership experience, Colton has held several public service and legal positions, including serving as a city councilor and council president in Taunton, Mass., practicing law in private practice and serving as a staff member in the Massachusetts State Senate.
Colton previously chaired the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Committee and has participated in several national leadership development programs, including the Sports Management Institute Executive Program and the NACDA Mentoring Institute. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Bucknell University, where he was a quarterback for the Bison football team. He subsequently earned a Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston, completed postgraduate studies at Choate Rosemary Hall and is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, where he practiced law from 2008-13.
Colton and his wife, Brittany, are the parents of two children, Grady and Ella.
"Ryan emerged as an exceptional leader whose values align closely with those of the University of New Hampshire," said Debbie Dutton, president of the UNH Foundation, vice president for University Advancement and search committee chair. "The committee was impressed by his authenticity, strategic thinking and ability to bring people together around a common purpose."
Colton succeeds Allison Rich, who led UNH Athletics from 2022-26.
CSA Search & Consulting assisted the University with the national search. The firm partnered with UNH to identify and recruit candidates from across the country and helped guide the search process.
Additional details regarding Colton's start date and introductory event will be announced at a later date.
What They're Saying About Ryan Colton
"Ryan has earned the trust and admiration of colleagues across the University of Richmond through his sound judgment, tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. He has helped the Spiders navigate a period of unprecedented change in college athletics with integrity, foresight and a steady focus on student-athletes. New Hampshire is gaining an exceptional administrator and trusted leader who has made a profound impact at Richmond."
-----John P. Hardt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, University of Richmond
"The University of New Hampshire has found an exceptionally collaborative and transformational leader in Ryan Colton. Ryan is a visionary who has a complete understanding of how to build an enduring championship culture through strategic planning, clear communication and building excellent relationships with all constituents. His tenacity and 'We, not me' leadership style will be a great asset to UNH Athletics and the entire UNH community."
-----Bob Driscoll, retired Director of Athletics, Providence College
"Ryan Colton is a home run hire for the University of New Hampshire. First and foremost, he is an outstanding person and a man of the highest character. Ryan possesses all the qualities of an exceptional leader. He is intelligent, thoughtful, poised, supportive and innovative. He understands what success looks like at the highest levels of collegiate athletics and will bring that experience and vision to UNH. He will be an outstanding partner both on and off campus and a trusted resource for coaches, staff and student-athletes."
-----David Berard, Head Men's Hockey Coach, Stonehill College
"What an outstanding hire for UNH! And what a perfect fit for Ryan and the university. Working with Ryan has given me the pleasure of working alongside one of the best administrators in the country. There's no doubt that UNH will make incredible strides with Ryan Colton at the helm."
-----Aaron Roussell, Head Women's Basketball Coach, University of Virginia
About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. More than 16,000 students from 50 states and 87 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIH, and received over $250 million in competitive external funding in FY24 to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
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