BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Longtime member of the Bluefield State athletics department Ryan Bailey has been tabbed as the university’s acting director of athletics.
Bailey, who has spent nine years with the Big Blue, has served as Associate Director of Athletics for the last four years. He also filled in as interim Director of Athletics from October 2024 to May 2025. The versatile Bailey helmed the Bluefield State women’s basketball program from 2017 until 2021 before moving into athletics administration.
He replaces Brodderick Tucker, who had served as Athletics Director since May 2025. Tucker became an assistant commissioner for compliance and administration with Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in Division I.
Notably, Bluefield State’s Board of Governors fired its president Darrin Martin last week, citing concerns about the university being behind on payments and receiving conflicting information from Martin. One of the concerns outlined by BOG Chairman Charlie Cole was that the board didn’t get notified about “potentially serious violations of NCAA rules.”
Prior to Bailey taking over, Bluefield State women’s hoops had won three games combined in the previous two seasons. He led them to the USCAA Final Four in the 2019-20 season.
A Zanesville, Ohio native, Bailey also founded basketball, volleyball, and golf programs at Malone University, the University of Charleston, and Mercyhurst North East College.
“I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with this responsibility,” Bailey said. “Bluefield State has become home to my family and me, and I care deeply about this University, our coaches and, most importantly, our student-athletes. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to working alongside our outstanding athletics staff to build upon the progress we have made.”
Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University’s College of Business. He lives in Bluefield with his wife Jessica and three children.