NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Ryan Hagen, who has 15 years of facility management experience, has joined the Yale Athletics family as Associate Athletic Director, Payne Whitney Gymnasium & Campus Recreation. The announcement was made by Victoria M. "Vicky" Chun, Thomas A. Beckett Director of Athletics, on Thursday, July 15.
 
"I'm excited to have Ryan join our team as the Associate Athletics Director of Payne Whitney Gymnasium & Campus Recreation. During the hiring process, he clearly articulated his vision and strategy for overseeing such an essential facet of the Yale community," said Chun. "It is fortunate that Ryan and his family have been living in the New Haven area for the last eight years as he's indirectly seen the impact Payne Whitney Gymnasium has on our students, faculty and staff." 
 
Hagen will be responsible for the operation of all aspects of Payne Whitney Gym, recognized as one of the largest gymnasiums in the world, and its associated spaces and programming. He comes to Yale from the University of New Haven, where he served as the Director of Campus Recreation since 2013. 
 
At New Haven, Hagen oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Beckerman Recreation Center, a 56,000 square-foot facility. He supervised a staff of four professional employees, two graduate assistants, fitness instructors, club sport coaches and 150+ student employees. In addition, he managed the department budget, coordinated with varsity athletics on usage and oversaw special event logistics with user groups. During his tenure, New Haven's club sports programs expanded from eight to 20.
 
"I am both excited and honored to join the storied traditions and rich history of Yale University, its Athletic Department and Payne Whitney Gymnasium," said Hagen. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics, Vicky Chun, and Deputy Athletic Director, Mary Berdo, for this opportunity. I look forward to building upon and creating new wellness, recreation and athletic opportunities which enrich the lives of the Yale community." 
 
Hagen was active in the University of New Haven's community as well, 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.
 
Prior to New Haven, Hagen was an Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation – Facilities and Aquatics at John Hopkins University where he managed the O'Connor Recreation Center. He also has experience at Loyola University in Maryland where he was the Assistant Director of Recreational Sports – Aquatics & Family Programs. His main responsibility was overseeing the operations for the Mangione Aquatic Center.
 
Hagen is a 2004 graduate of Rutgers University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Planning and Design. He then received a Master of Arts, Recreation and Sport Management from Indiana State University while serving as a Graduate Assistant of Recreational Sports – Informal Recreation.