Staff Directory

Ryan Koslen

Title:
Associate Athletic Director for Relentless Elevation
Email:

Ryan Koslen joined the University of Akron in 2026 in the newly created position of Associate Athletics Director for Relentless Elevation, bringing more than two decades of NCAA Division I communications, branding and external leadership experience to the Zips.

Koslen oversees the department's communications, marketing, creative services and digital storytelling efforts, helping shape the University's brand while driving fan engagement, revenue generation and national visibility. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for combining traditional communications excellence with innovative strategies that connect with today's audiences.

Prior to Akron, Koslen served in senior communications leadership roles at Coastal Carolina University and the University of Missouri, where he was the Chief Communications Officer and primary communications contact for nationally ranked football and baseball programs. His career also includes leadership positions at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Houston, as well as an earlier stint at Akron, where he began his career in athletics communications.

During his career, Koslen has led communications efforts for conference championships, College Football Playoff contenders, College World Series participants, nationally recognized student-athlete award campaigns and some of the most successful seasons in program history. He has extensive experience in crisis communications, executive messaging, media relations, strategic planning and integrated storytelling while building collaborative teams that align communications, marketing, creative and digital strategy.

A Northeast Ohio native, Koslen is excited to return to the University of Akron and help position the Zips for sustained success by telling compelling stories, embracing innovation and creating meaningful connections with fans, alumni, donors and the Akron community.