Lebanon Valley College has announced Patrick M. Ratke as its new director of athletics. Currently the associate athletic director of athletic facilities and operations at Colby College, Ratke will lead strategy and operations for Lebanon Valley College’s 26 Division III Flying Dutchmen athletics programs. His predecessor, Rick Beard ’90, M’92, transitioned to a senior major gifts officer role at the College this summer. Ratke joins Lebanon Valley College August 21, 2023.

“Pat has an outstanding record of Division III varsity sports administration, including student-athlete recruitment and complex facilities projects. He has the right skill set to build on Beard’s legacy by executing the College’s athletics strategic plan and continuing to provide winning Dutchmen programs for our 650 student-athletes,” said Dr. Robert Mikus ’90, vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

While at Colby College, Ratke served as a sport administrator with direct oversight of eight varsity teams, head coaches, and assistant coaches. He played a key role in closing out the $200,000,000 Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center at Colby. Prior to his tenure at Colby, Ratke was associate athletic director at The Catholic University, from which he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master of science in management with a concentration in leadership. He began his career in undergraduate admission at The Catholic university.

“I am looking forward to advancing Lebanon Valley College’s athletics programs by working with coaches, students, staff, and other teammates to continue to build upon the Dutchmen’s rich tradition of athletic success, while helping to foster the holistic development of our student athletes both on and off the field.  The College’s commitment and investment in athletics is unparalleled to similar peer institutions, and I am honored to serve as the next steward of the Dutchmen as we continue to raise the bar in Division III athletics,” said Ratke.

A native of Williamsport, Pa., Ratke volunteered as an usher for the Little League World Series for several years and played basketball and baseball at St. John Neumann Regional Academy. Ratke and his wife Rachel are parents to two young children, Everett and Wyatt.