Ryan Qualls is Columbia Athletics’ Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and graduated from the University of Washington’s Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) M.Ed. program in 2014. He recently spoke with Jake Silver from the University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics about the impact the IAL program has had on his career.
This interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Q: What initially drew you to the IAL program, and how did it align with the professional goals you had at the time?
A: I was focused on finding a program that checked all the boxes for what I wanted. When I first started considering a career in college athletics, I researched several programs, and the IAL program stood out the most. One reason was that it was housed at a Power Five institution, which was something I really wanted. Another major factor was the opportunity to take classes and gain work experience at that time. Plus, Seattle in the summertime is beautiful, so that was a bonus. The strong alumni network was another benefit; having past graduates help place you with your internships was a huge advantage. Getting my master’s degree while also completing an internship gave me a solid foundation. I was essentially starting from the bottom, and that internship experience at the University of Washington’s compliance office set me on the path I’m on today. It was incredibly beneficial for my career.
Q: Looking back, which part of the IAL experience had the biggest impact on your professional growth?
A: I would definitely say the internship. I got to learn from some of the best in the field. Kyle Pifer, who I believe is now the Athletics Director at Western Carolina, was the head of compliance when I was at UW. Wilk Kava, who’s now the Deputy AD at Mizzou, was my mentor and the person I worked with every day during the internship. There are still people at UW I stay in touch with, like Kylie and Mary Lou, who are still working in the compliance office. I reach out to them a couple of times a year, whether it’s for professional reasons like tracers or transfer discussions, or just to catch up.
Q: Have there been any pivotal moments or decisions in your career where you have drawn back on the IAL program?
A: Absolutely. The IAL program really covers all aspects of an athletics department. Even though I was mainly focused on compliance, I had to complete a development project; mine was about bringing back the University of Pacific football team in Stockton. Through that project, I learned about development, internal and external operations, budgeting, and more. Those experiences have helped me in my current role as Associate Athletic Director at Columbia. For example, last year I had to plan my department’s budget for the first time and have complex conversations with our Athletics Director.
Q: In what ways do you continue to engage with the IAL network?
A: I still stay in touch with many of my classmates, mostly just to check in and see how they are doing. Seeing them grow their families, get married, and succeed in their careers. I run into them at events like NCAA Regional Rules or the NACDA Convention. Outside of the IAL program, I also keep in touch with my mentors from the UW Compliance Office. I just emailed Will Kava a few days ago, and I spoke with Kylie and Mary Lou earlier this year. I even told them I might come to a football game this season. The bond you form with your cohort is special, it’s a fast-paced 12-month program, and those connections last a lifetime.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone considering the IAL program?
A: My advice would be to do your research and make the decision that’s best for you. What you get from the IAL program is a first-class education at the University of Washington, one of the best universities in the world. You also get early job experience, which is something many programs do not offer. The internship is mandatory and built into the curriculum, so you’re guaranteed that hands-on experience. That’s a huge advantage because in this industry, you need experience to get your foot in the door. The IAL program provides both the education and practical experience you need to take the next step in your athletics career.