Ron Downs
Director of Recreational Complexes
THE DOWNS FILE
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Profile:
Ron Downs, a Radford alum and emploee with over 25 years of service to the University, currently serves as Director of Recreational Complexes. In his current role, Downs oversees all aspects of the Dedmon Center Sports Complex, the Selu Conservatory and Peters Hall.
Originall hired in 1979 as the men's tennis coach, Downs was moved into an administrative role in 1981 when he was named Director of the then newly built Dedmon Center.
During his tenure, Downs has seen an explosive growth in the Dedmon Center Complex. He has supervised the addition of several of RU's current venues, including the Nataorium, the Tennis Complex, the intercollegite baseball, softball and field hockey fields. He has also overseen the addition of intermural and sports club fields and the mile-long jogging track. Most recently Downs' leadership resulted in the addition of the spectacular Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility for Radford soccer and track and field.
Downs also oversees the Dedmon Center staff, which includes managers, a housekeeping staff and student workers. He and his staff also work closely with the athletics staff to manage home events.
During his three-year tenure as men's tennis coach, Downs was named the NAIA District 19 coach of the year in 1981 and 1982. He cominuted coaching tennis for two years after being named Dedmon Center Director.
A big supporter of Highlander Athletics, Downs is a past member and President of the RU Athletic Association (Highlander Club).
Downs and his wife Paula, also a RU graduate (B.A., 1977 M.S., 1984), have two daughters, Caroline and Ashton, who are current members of the Highlander women’s tennis team. The Downs reside in Radford.