Ryan Hess was appointed the Director of Athletics and the Seabury Center on July 1, 2019.  Originally from Beckley, WV, Ryan came to Berea College as a freshman in the fall of 1994.  He played baseball throughout his collegiate career, serving as a team captain the last three years.  After graduating in 1998, Hess served as an assistant coach under Don Richardson for the 1999 spring season.  Later that year, former Berea College Athletic Director Roland Wierwille appointed Ryan co-head coach of the program along with Todd Morris.

Coach Hess and Coach Morris coached together for four seasons, leading the Mountaineer baseball program to a season-high win total in 2002 and setting numerous records.  Ryan left the program following the conclusion of the 2003 season in order to pursue a master's degree in Sports Administration from the United States Sports Academy.  He earned his M.S.S. after completing a mentorship under Berea grad Steve Ridder, the Head Basketball Coach and then-Athletic Director at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL.

After returning to Berea, Hess once again joined the baseball staff and, just prior to the 2005-06 season, was named head coach.  Coach Hess patrolled the Mountaineer dugout from 2006-2011.  Under his leadership, the Mountaineers tied or broke over 105 records.  He coached 35 all-conference honorees and one All-American (Jerrod Moore, 2nd team, 2011).  In his final year of coaching, Berea College finished the season ranked #4 nationally in hitting and once again set the school record for wins.  Hess resigned following the 2011 spring season to devote more time to his family, and attention to his full-time appointment in the Athletic Department. 

In his free time, Ryan enjoys playing golf, watching Berea College sporting events and hanging out with his family.  Coach Hess and his wife, Libby, have three children (Andruw Jensen, Abigail Grace and Isabella Ann) and reside in Berea.