Dayton Business Journal: Former Ohio State, Arizona State administrator named Wright State athletic director

Following the university’s first-ever national search for a Division I athletics director, Wright State University has selected a new leader for its athletic program.

Wright State has named Brad Chandler as the next director of athletics.

“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be here at Wright State,” Chandler said. “My family and I are so excited about being 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.”

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

He joins Wright State University (WSU) from Bradley University in Illinois, where he served as deputy athletics director since 2023. At Bradley, he held the role of the department’s chief revenue, financial and compliance officer and lead fundraiser.

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

“We are extremely proud to welcome Brad, his wife Kara, and their daughter, Waverly, to the Raider family,” said Sue Edwards, WSU president. “This search was about finding the right person to 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.”

During his time at Bradley University, Chandler completed the following:

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

“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.”

Chandler’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a a committee representing university leaders, board members, faculty, coaches, alumni and student-athletes. He succeeds Joylynn Brown, who stepped down in April.

Read the full story at bizjournals.com/dayton.