Erin Sullivan, pictured, is UW-Stout's new athletics director. (Photo via stoutbluedevils.com)

The University of Wisconsin-Stout found its 10th director of athletics and recreation in longtime sports enthusiast, Erin Sullivan. Following a nation-wide search, Sullivan, who was previously the university’s deputy director of athletics, officially stepped into the lead role in July 2025.

Sullivan has developed an essential set of skills for the role – including problem-solving skills and a calm-under-pressure style – over several decades. After earning her bachelor's degree in sports management at UW-Parkside, where she was also a basketball player, she pursued a master's in education at UW-Stout. She became the assistant women's basketball coach at the university, a role she held for four years before launching her career in athletic administration in 2008.

Sports have been a regular part of life for Sullivan – as early as eight years old – when she started playing basketball and volleyball. Nowadays, she enjoys watching just about every sport – “each offers something unique, and I love watching people compete” – and with two active children and a husband who also enjoys sports, this passion has only grown over time. 

“Between (my kids') schedules, Stout events and the occasional Packers or Brewers game, sports are a constant for our family,” Sullivan said.

“The best part of this profession,” Sullivan said is the “interaction you have with the student-athletes and watching them succeed.”

Excited to be settling into her new role, the Cadott native says she looks forward to focusing on the “bigger picture ideas for our department,” which include supporting coaches, providing resources and continuing to define what being "champions" looks like across its various programs – now and into the future.

Seeing strong attendance and enthusiasm for women's events is proof of how far women's sports have come. –Erin Sullivan, athletics director

UW-Stout's women's basketball team, pictured, had an incredible run last season. (Photo via UW-Stout)

Part of Sullivan’s transition into the director role included the appointing of a new senior woman administrator to the athletics leadership team. Thinking about the recent uptick in interest and support of women’s sports, Sullivan says, “I was fortunate in that I always had an opportunity to participate in sports, so sometimes it’s hard to remember that those before us didn’t have the same. 

“Seeing strong attendance and enthusiasm for women’s events is proof of how far women’s sports have come.”

One of the biggest challenges Sullivan sees now in athletic administration is the ever-changing landscape of collegiate sports, from enrollment and Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) policies to managing the transfer portal and staying abreast of current NCAA legislation.

“You need to be okay with the constantly changing environment and know that you can only control what you can control,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan encourages younger women who are considering a professional career in sports leadership or coaching to take the leap. “Be willing to take chances, be vulnerable in the process, and remember that patience matters. It’s worth it,” she said.

On campus, one of the highlights of the near future is the planned Spring 2026 groundbreaking on a $33 million, student- and donation-funded recreation complex renovation that includes more recreation space, new locker rooms and an expanded entrance. (The Johnson Fieldhouse also plans to see renovations, including a new floor, bleachers and an updated HVAC system, within the next three years or so.)

“I am really excited about the future of UW-Stout athletics and recreation,” Sullivan said.

Learn more about UW-Stout athletics online at stoutbluedevils.com.