Ryan Bailey named acting athletics director at Bluefield State University

Bluefield State University has appointed Ryan Bailey as its acting director of athletics, effective immediately. Bailey, a nine-year veteran of the university’s athletics department, most recently served as Associate Director of Athletics. He previously held the role of interim director from October 2024 to May 2025.

Bailey succeeds Brodderick Tucker, who departed to become an assistant commissioner for compliance and administration with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Bailey’s background includes serving as the university’s head women’s basketball coach from 2017 to 2021, a period during which he led the team to the USCAA Final Four.

The leadership change follows recent instability at the university, including the dismissal of President Darrin Martin by the Board of Governors last week due to concerns regarding financial payments and potential NCAA rule violations.