Chris Reynolds Receives 5-Year Extension to Lead Bradley Athletics

The head of Bradley Athletics will stay a Bradley Brave for at least five more years. The Bradley University Board of Trustees and President Gary Roberts have announced a contract extension for Chris Reynolds through the 2022-23 academic year. While the terms of the contract are not being released, his title will change to vice president for intercollegiate athletics.

“Chris’ new vice president’s title reflects both his sterling academic as well as athletic credentials,” Bradley President Roberts said when announcing the contract extension, “and it signals to everyone that athletics at Bradley are an integral part of the entire campus and its educational mission. Top Division I programs, especially those led by people with terminal degrees, are now commonly using the vice president title, and our doing so puts us in their prestigious ranks.” Reynolds earned his bachelor’s, law and doctoral degrees all from Indiana University.

In his three years at Bradley, Reynolds has had an impact far beyond the courts, fields and tracks. The university’s student-athletes have experienced record-setting academic performances and the department has developed comprehensive student-athlete welfare and service programs, all while increasing revenue streams. The men's basketball program has also undergone significant revitalization under the leadership of Coach Brian Wardle.

“Chris is truly a star who has rebuilt a strong culture of success at Bradley University based on solid values and a commitment to doing everything with class,” Roberts said. “He has brought national attention and respect for our athletic program, which will further help our outstanding lineup of coaches to recruit the highest performing athletes who will also be great citizens, great students and continue our run of back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference Academic Championships.”

Just last week, Reynolds hit the national scene once again by being appointed to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Selection Committee. This is the most coveted and most prestigious position for a Division I Athletic Director within the NCAA structure.

Reynolds' passion and dedication to Bradley are evident in everything he does. In addition to campus activities, he frequently serves as a speaker at community events, attends regional functions and works toward getting the local community re-engaged with Bradley Athletics.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone who is such an exceptional leader heading up our Athletic program, and this extension will make it clear to Chris and everyone else associated with Bradley Athletics that we want him here for a long time to come,” added Roberts. “Plus, he is just such a great guy.”