Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried was promoted to Vice President for Athletics on July 21, 2026 by UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. In his role, Siegfried will continue leading the University's NCAA Division I athletics program while remaining a key member of the President's Cabinet, where he will continue helping shape University-wide priorities and advance the institution's long-term strategic vision.
Since joining the University in 2022, Siegfried has become an integral member of the University's senior leadership team, serving as a full member of the President's Cabinet and partnering closely with leaders across enrollment, finance, academic affairs, student affairs, communications, marketing, advancement, and administration. His collaborative approach has helped position athletics as a strategic asset that supports the University's broader mission and strengthens the student experience.
Under Siegfried's leadership, Purple Aces Athletics has experienced significant momentum through the implementation of the Athletics Pathway to Excellence strategic plan. The department has increased fundraising and ticket revenue, record ticket sales and fundraising and the largest apparel partnership in department history through Nike.
In addition, UE Athletics has enhanced resources for more than 300 student-athletes, and completed or launched more than $8 million in athletics facility improvements, including the completion of the Begle Family Sports Performance Center, the transformation of the new Tri-State Orthopaedics Softball turf field, new soccer practice turf field, among other projects.
Among the most significant milestones was what is believed to be the largest gift in UE Athletics history. In May 2024, UE alumni Kyle and Ashley Freeland announced a transformational announced a $3 million gift to secure the future of the Freeland Clubhouse, slated to open in November.
The department's strategic investments have also translated into success on the field including two Missouri Valley Conference Men's Soccer Championships and the program's first NCAA Tournament berth since 1996. Notably, in 2024, the Purple Aces baseball team captured the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship and earned its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2006, coming within one game of reaching the College World Series. Women’s golf, volleyball, swimming and diving, track and field, and numerous other programs have also produced conference championships, national postseason appearances, and historic individual honors.
Building on that momentum, UE Athletics has launched a new wave of transformational projects that further elevate the student-athlete experience. These include the new Softball Clubhouse, Softball Locker Room enhancements, and enhanced golf facilities, underscoring a department-wide commitment to championship-level training, wellness, and competitive excellence across all sports.
The impact of this strategic investment has been reflected in competitive success. During the 2023–2024 season, UE Athletics experienced one of its most successful years in more than two decades, achieving its highest NACDA Director’s Cup ranking since 1999. Highlights included the baseball program capturing the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title, advancing through an NCAA Division I Regional, defeating the nation’s top-ranked team, earning multiple All-America honors, and finishing in the national top 25.
Under Siegfried’s leadership, UE Athletics has also made significant strides in revenue generation and institutional impact. Since his arrival, ticket revenue has increased by 61 percent, fundraising revenue has grown by 53 percent, and in May 2024 the department received a $3 million leadership gift supporting facility development. Siegfried also spearheaded an Athletics Enrollment Plan that generated more than $1 million in new net revenue for the University during the 2023–2024 academic year.
Academic achievement and holistic student-athlete development remain central priorities. UE student-athletes have recorded the two highest cumulative GPAs in department history during Siegfried’s tenure, with all 17 teams earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher. UE also ranks among the top programs in the Missouri Valley Conference in Graduation Success Rate.
Siegfried has emphasized visibility, transparency, and relationship-building since day one. He established the Athletics Director’s Council to strengthen external engagement and has prioritized meaningful connections with students, alumni, donors, and community partners. Attendance across multiple sports has increased significantly, reflecting renewed energy and connection with Purple Aces Athletics.
Before joining Evansville, Siegfried served as Director of Athletics at California State University, Bakersfield from 2014 to 2022, where he led a 16-sport Division I program through its most successful period since transitioning to Division I. Under his leadership, CSUB experienced the best competitive stretch in its Division I history, winning seven conference championships from 2014–2018, compared to just one championship from 2010–2014. During that time, Siegfried guided the department through strategic growth, conference realignment into the Big West Conference, major facility planning, and record-setting fundraising and academic outcomes. Prior to CSUB, he spent eight years at the University of Memphis in senior athletics leadership roles and as part of the University’s fundraising leadership team.
Siegfried earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Memphis. He is active nationally in NCAA governance and academic success initiatives. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he and his wife, Karen, are the parents of five children.
