Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried Promoted to UE Vice President for Athletics

Evansville, Ind. (07/21/2026) — University of Evansville (UE) President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz today announced the promotion of Dr. Kenneth "Ziggy" Siegfried to Vice President for Athletics, recognizing his leadership as one of the University's senior administrators and his significant contributions to institutional strategy and the University's mission.

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.

"Ziggy's promotion reflects far more than the success of our athletics program," said President Pietruszkiewicz. "Over the past several years, he has emerged as one of the University's most trusted institutional leaders. Athletics is fully integrated into the life and mission of the University because of his leadership, and his voice helps shape decisions that impact every part of our institution. Ziggy brings a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community. I am grateful for his leadership and excited to see the impact he will continue to make for all of us at UE and in our Evansville community."

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 ricket 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 Championship among other success across multiple programs. 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.

Student-athletes have also achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in department history, excelling in the classroom and making a difference in our community.

"I am deeply honored by the confidence President Pietruszkiewicz has placed in me," said Siegfried. "The University of Evansville is an extraordinary community, and I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues across campus who are deeply committed to our students and our mission. Athletics has an important role to play in advancing the University as a whole, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate across campus to strengthen enrollment, enhance the student experience, support fundraising and community engagement, and help move the University forward."

As Vice President for Athletics, Siegfried will continue overseeing all aspects of Purple Aces Athletics while serving as a member of the University's senior leadership team and collaborating with colleagues across the University to advance strategic initiatives that strengthen the University of Evansville.

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Dr. Kenneth Ziggy Siegfried

UE Vice President for Athletics