SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University has announced Ryan Marken as its Director of Athletics, officially removing the interim title he has held since the summer of 2025. He will also continue serving as head coach of the Cougar baseball program.

Marken becomes the sixth Director of Athletics in Spring Arbor University history, continuing a longstanding relationship with the university that began nearly two decades ago as a student-athlete and has since included roles as a coach and athletics administrator.

“Athletics at Spring Arbor exists to form men and women in Christ, and Ryan understands that as well as anyone I know,” said SAU President Brent Ellis. “He invests in our coaches so that they can invest in our student-athletes, and that dedication shows in the character of our teams. Removing ‘interim’ from his title recognizes the leader he has already proven to be.”

Marken has served as Interim Director of Athletics since the summer of 2025, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Cougar athletic department and its intercollegiate programs. Prior to stepping into the interim role, he served as an Assistant Director of Athletics during the 2024-25 academic year.

Throughout his time in athletics administration, Marken has emphasized collaboration, communication and empowering coaches and staff to lead within their respective areas. His vision for SAU Athletics is rooted in his love for Jesus Christ and a commitment to developing Christ-centered leaders, investing student-athletes and using athletics as a platform to impact lives for Christ.

“Ryan has surrounded himself with capable leaders and trusts them with real responsibility,” said SAU Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Ross. “Together, they are making careful decisions about where this program goes next. Our campus is well served by an athletic director who communicates well, asks the right questions, and advocates for his people with that much thought and care.”

Alongside his administrative responsibilities, Marken will remain at the helm of the Spring Arbor baseball program, a position he has held since 2017.

Marken’s connection to Cougar Athletics began as a student-athlete. A 2010 graduate of Spring Arbor, he was a member of the baseball program from 2007-10, a period that included some of the most successful seasons in program history.

During his time with the program, the Cougars captured three conference championships and made two appearances in the NAIA World Series, including a national runner-up finish in 2007. The program also recorded back-to-back 40-win seasons, posting records of 48-5 and 40-9, and put together a remarkable 36-game winning streak during the 2007 campaign.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to accept the opportunity to serve as the Director of Athletics at Spring Arbor University,” said Marken. “SAU is a special place, and I am grateful for the chance to serve our coaches and student-athletes and to invest in them both competitively and spiritually. I am passionate about developing coaches who lead well and student-athletes who understand that their identity and purpose extend far beyond the playing field. I believe athletics can be one of the greatest mission fields we have, and I see this role as an opportunity to disciple individuals, develop leaders, and ultimately point people toward Christ.”

“I am also thrilled to build on the tremendous athletic success we have experienced at SAU,” Marken added. “We have exceptional coaches and student-athletes, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to pursue excellence in competition while remaining firmly rooted in our mission.”