SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Associate Vice President for Athletics Kevin Lanke has been selected to serve on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Athletics Directors Association Board of Directors for the 2026-27 membership year.

Lanke will represent the River States Conference on the national board, which works alongside the NAIA national office to address issues affecting member institutions, consider potential rules changes and help shape future policies and procedures within intercollegiate athletics.

"I am honored to represent the River States Conference as part of the NAIA Athletics Directors Association," Lanke said. "College sports is undergoing key decisions about its future over the next two to three years, and I'm pleased that River States Conference athletic directors have entrusted me to serve as our voice to this key organization."
Lanke begins his first full season as the River States Conference representative to the NAIA-ADA in 2026-27. The appointment places him among athletics leaders representing conferences from across the NAIA.

Lucas Morgan, director of athletics at LSU Shreveport, will serve as NAIA-ADA president for the 2026-27 membership year. Morgan succeeds Dr. Jesse Godding, director of athletics at Nelson University, who will transition to immediate past president.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the next president of the NAIA-ADA," Morgan said. "I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by my colleagues, and I'm inspired by the dedication of the leaders before me who have helped advance both the NAIA and NACDA.

"As we move forward, I am committed to leading through service by listening, collaborating and supporting our NAIA-ADA members as they navigate the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. This is also a tremendous opportunity to build on our strong foundation as we continue to strengthen our profession, develop future leaders and champion the values that make the NAIA unique."

Joining Morgan among the association's officers are first vice president Pete Dryer, director of athletics at Arizona Christian University; second vice president Tony Hoops, vice president for athletics at Northwestern College; and third vice president Chris Kraftick, athletics director at the University of the Cumberlands.

The 2026-27 board also includes Maryann Mitts of Cottey College, representing the American Midwest Conference; Glen Crawford of Columbia College, Appalachian Athletic Conference; Rob Harley of Simpson University, California Pacific Conference; Corey Anderson of Bushnell University, Cascade Collegiate Conference; Ian Potter of Georgia Gwinnett College, Continental Athletic Conference; Chip Wilson of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Crossroads League; Matt Stepan of Montana Tech, Frontier Conference; Andy Bernatow of Mount Marty University, Great Plains Athletic Conference; Charlie Averkamp of Benedictine University, Great Southwest Athletic Conference; Brian Evans of Paul Quinn College, HBCU Athletic Conference; Troy Plummer of Grand View University, Heart of America Athletic Conference; Shawn Summe of Avila University, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference; Ron Pavan of Cumberland University, Mid-South Conference; Tyler Unsicker of LSU Alexandria, Red River Athletic Conference; Chris Dooley of Brewton-Parker Christian University, Southern States Athletic Conference; Drew Watson of Southeastern University, Sun Conference; and Tiffani Selhorst of Defiance College, Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Lanke enters his fourth year as associate vice president for athletics at SMWC during the 2026-27 academic year. He oversees an NAIA athletics department featuring more than 40 full- and part-time employees and provides leadership for all aspects of Pomeroy athletics.

His responsibilities include the day-to-day operation of the athletics program, budget and personnel oversight, team travel and scheduling, NAIA compliance and Upper Limits management, facility management and ensuring a positive student-athlete experience.

Lanke also oversees the department's NAIA Return on Athletics and Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act reporting, works with the financial aid team on athletic scholarship recruitment and collaborates with campus advancement officers on fundraising efforts.

During Lanke's tenure, the department has transitioned from sprint football to full-scholarship NAIA football, developed plans to add women's flag football beginning in 2027-28 and established McMahon Field as an on-campus home for football, soccer and flag football.

The department has also added video-capturing technology at each of its athletic venues and increased its student-athlete population from approximately 350 to an expected 420 during the upcoming academic year.

Before joining SMWC, Lanke spent 25 years as the communications lead and assistant athletic director at NCAA Division III Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. His responsibilities included sports information, game-day management and assisting with NCAA compliance activities.

Lanke also served as the primary media relations contact during Rose-Hulman's 11-year run as the host of Indianapolis Colts training camp from 1999 through 2009.
He received the Rose-Hulman Excellence in Service Award in 2015 and 2017 and the President's Outstanding Service Award in 2016.