Wright State names rising star Division I leader Brad Chandler as director of athletics

Brad Chandler, the deputy athletics director at Bradley University, was named Wright State’s new director of athletics.

Wright State University announced today that Brad Chandler, J.D., has been named its next director of athletics. The appointment follows the university’s first-ever national search for a Division I athletics director.

With more than 17 years of NCAA Division I athletics experience, Chandler has built a strong record of program development and student-athlete success.

Chandler joins Wright State from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he served as deputy athletics director since 2023. At Bradley, he served as the department’s chief revenue, financial and compliance officer and its lead fundraiser.

Prior to Bradley, he has held leadership roles at Arizona State, Ohio State and Rutgers.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Brad, his wife, Kara, and their daughter, Waverly, to the Raider family,” said Wright State University President Sue Edwards. “This search was about finding someone who can take our athletics program to the next level — someone who prioritizes student-athlete success, academic achievement and building a program that represents the pride of our university and community.

“Brad brings that and more. He has the experience and vision needed to elevate our athletics program, create opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches and teams, and continue the momentum already in place. We are confident that Brad is exactly the right person to lead Wright State Athletics as we enter this important next chapter.”

Throughout his career, Chandler has demonstrated the ability to develop successful programs, support coaches and student-athletes, and create a culture centered on excellence and integrity.

Among Chandler’s notable accomplishments at Bradley University:

• Increased total athletics revenue by 51% since FY24
• Grew athletics fundraising by 14% and 21% in FY25 and FY26
• Negotiated revenue-sharing agreements with student-athletes and assisted with the creation of Bradley’s NIL program
• Led the relaunch of the Bradley Script brand, producing record merchandise growth and fan engagement

Chandler earned a law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University.

“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be here at Wright State,” Chandler said. “My family and I are so excited about being a part of the Dayton community and will be proud to serve the Wright State family. To lead a program that means so much to this region is something I do not take lightly.

“I am committed to working alongside our coaches, student-athletes, alumni and supporters to build on the strong foundation already in place and continue strengthening a culture that helps our student-athletes succeed in competition, in the classroom and beyond. I look forward to what we can accomplish together in this next chapter. Go Raiders!”

Chandler’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a dedicated search committee representing university leaders, board members, faculty, coaches, alumni and student-athletes.

As director of athletics, Chandler will oversee Wright State’s NCAA Division I athletics program to enhance the student-athlete experience and elevate the program’s visibility and impact across the region and nationally.

“The student-athlete perspective was an important part of this search, and we were looking for someone who values our experiences, listens to our voices and is committed to helping us succeed,” said Jahi McDonald, student-athlete representative on the Athletics Director Search Committee. “Chandler demonstrated a genuine understanding of what our student-athletes need to succeed, and we are excited about the future of Wright State Athletics under his leadership.”

In recent years, Wright State Athletics has achieved significant milestones. The men’s basketball team earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament this spring after capturing both the Horizon League regular season and tournament titles; the women’s bowling team finished the 2026 season ranked No. 11 nationally; the volleyball team made its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past seven years last fall; and the baseball program won its 11th Horizon League championship and earned a win against No. 1 seed Vanderbilt in the 2025 NCAA Regional.

The department’s commitment to student-athlete success extends beyond competition, with student-athletes achieving a 3.45 average departmental GPA in fall 2025 and 133 earning Horizon League Academic Honor Roll recognition.

Meet the new director of athletics

Brad Chandler and his family will be welcomed on Friday, June 26, at approximately 1 p.m. at the new Admissions Visit Center in the Student Union.