Congratulations to the 2024 Region 1 Award of Merit winner, Ryan Hagen!
Ryan currently serves as the Associate Athletic Director, Payne Whitney Gymnasium & Campus Recreation at Yale University. Prior to arriving at Yale in July of 2021, Ryan served as the Director of Campus Recreation starting in 2013, as well as assistant directors at both Johns Hopkins University and Loyola University of Maryland. Ryan received his BS in Environmental Planning and Design at Rutgers University, and his MA in Recreation and Sports Management from Indiana State University, serving also as a Graduate Assistant of Recreational Sports – Informal Recreation.
Ryan has served in several roles at his institutions and within NIRSA. Ryan was active in the University of New Haven’s community, serving on a number of working groups, including University Wellness, ChargerPride and Student Affairs Assessment committees. In addition, he served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Sport Management, starting in 2018. Ryan has served in numerous roles within NIRSA as well, including the Region 1 Representative.
Nominators for Ryan had this to say about Ryan:
“Ryan Hagen served as our Regional Member Network Representative during one of the most difficult times for our association. He had to navigate the pandemic while keeping the members engaged completely virtually. He helped organize virtual meetings throughout our region to meet about Covid-related issues so that we could all learn from each other. He did a great job of trying to navigate these times while serving in this leadership role. I know how difficult the role was without dealing with a pandemic. He did a great job of keeping all the members involved and did his best to relay information appropriately. I was so grateful for his leadership during that time. Over the years, Ryan has also served on so many committees for Region 1. He has served as our representative on the Nominations & Appointments Committee, and he has chaired 2 regional conferences. Whenever he is asked to help and do something for our region, Ryan has always been willing to take the lead. He asks challenging questions and has always worked hard for the best interest of our members.”
“Ryan’s journey and contributions to collegiate recreation and NIRSA’s Region 1 are not just commendable; they are a beacon of inspiration and dedication. Ryan’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on our sector. His role in orchestrating numerous RI/CT state workshops has been nothing short of transformative, fostering professional growth and nurturing a sense of community that resonates across our profession. Ryan’s involvement in the 2012 NIRSA Region 1 Conference in Washington, DC, as part of the host committee, was a prelude to his profound impact. His insights and experiences as the logistics chair were not merely roles fulfilled; they were stepping stones towards his exceptional undertaking of hosting the 2018 Region 1 Conference in New Haven, CT. Under his guidance, these events have been successful and set a new benchmark for excellence. In times of uncertainty and challenge, particularly during the pandemic from 2019 to 2021, Ryan’s role as the Regional Representative for Region 1 shone brightly. His leadership during these tumultuous times was marked by grace, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to cultivating deep and meaningful NIRSA engagements, both on an individual and institutional level. Ryan’s involvement in regional NIRSA committees has been characterized by innovative thinking and a deep commitment to the betterment of our organization. His advocacy for policy changes and dedication to the NIRSA Region 1 Contingency Fund are testaments to his forward-thinking and strategic approach. While the highlights I’ve mentioned are just a snapshot of Ryan’s extensive contributions, they reflect his extraordinary journey and his profound impact. His relentless drive and deep-seated dedication to NIRSA and collegiate recreation make him an exemplary candidate for the NIRSA Regional Award of Merit.”
“For over 20 years, Ryan Hagen has been a contributor to Region I in a variety of ways—a colleague, serving in leadership, and providing leadership. Ryan is more than deserving of the Regional Award of Merit. Over the years, Ryan has worked with many of us across the region to offer a listening ear, contributing ideas, and always willing to help. Ryan has served NIRSA in the highest role within the region as the Member Network Region I Representative, as well a serving on committees, and hosting at least two regional conferences. Ryan is always stepping up and offering support. In his first year at Yale, he offered and hosted Ivy Meetings when most of us were tired from trying to hold things together on our campuses during COVID. Ryan is consistently working for the field and trying to better everyone around him. In addition to his work within the field, Ryan has also served his various campus communities by serving on campus committees—assessment and wellness to name a few—and teaching adjunct at New Haven. Ryan is dedicated to building student leaders and developing his professional staff to be ready for the next level in their career. I can’t think of a better more deserving recipient for the Region I Award of Merit.”
“As an active agent for growth, Ryan helps individuals set goals and celebrate successes. He has mentored many professionals, beyond those that report to him. He guides them to see a more full vision of the industry as they continue to develop and advance in the industry. Through Ryan’s career, he has bought-in to service leadership through his dedication to the campuses he worked on, teams he has lead, committees and regions he has contributed to, in addition to the mentorship of many professionals throughout NIRSA. Ryan is an exemplary example of an individual that fulfills the NIRSA spirit, mission, and values. Ryan is truly a leader in collegiate recreation.”
Again, congratulations to Ryan and his outstanding contributions and dedication to our Region!
