KANSAS - The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is proud to bring you the "KCAC Alumni Spotlight" series. Every two weeks, the conference will aim to highlight an alumnus of one of our KCAC full member institutions. We hope in this series to highlight successes that KCAC alumni had not only on the field, court, etc., but also in the classroom and now in their chosen professional field.
KCAC ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT — KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Alumnus: Dr. Ryan HIcks
Degree Earned at Kansas Wesleyan: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, 2005
Career Alumnus Currently Holds: Co-Founder/Program Director,
Ballin' For Peace
How did your time at Kansas Wesleyan help to prepare you for life after college/entering the workforce?
HICKS: "Kansas Wesleyan University helped prepare me for life after college by giving a strong foundation in communication, leadership, and adaptability—skills that translate directly into the workforce. As a Double Letterman (Basketball & Soccer), I was able to reach my full potential as a student athlete. Truly Grateful for the opportunities to build real relationships with professors, collaborate closely with peers, and take on leadership roles, which strengthened my confidence and accountability. Coursework at KWU emphasized critical thinking, public speaking, writing, and teamwork, helping me learn how to clearly express ideas, manage projects, and work across different personalities—core skills employers value.”
Were there any pre-professional experiences (internships/job shadows/etc.) during your college years that prepared you for entering your chosen field?
HICKS: "During my time at Kansas Wesleyan University, I completed an internship at the Public Access Television Station, which played a key role in preparing me for my chosen field. Through this experience, I gained a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of media production by working both in front of and behind the camera. I was involved in producing television shows, running radio spots, supporting public relations efforts, and practicing journalism. Additionally, I learned the essentials of pre- and post-production while actively engaging with the community. This hands-on experience provided a well-rounded foundation and directly prepared me for professional work in media and communications. I currently use these skills daily working with media outlets across the nation to promote peace and positivity through video/audio production, and journalism. Check out
ballinforpeace.org and add Ballin’ for Peace to all media platforms." (Ballin' for Peace Social Media Pages:
Facebook |
Twitter/X |
Instagram)
What lessons did you learn competing in collegiate athletics that helped prepare you for life after your playing days were over?
HICKS: "Playing for Coach (Jerry) Jones at KWU was an honor. He prepared us with off court life lessons that I use to this day. He would say 'If you are early, you are on time, If you are on time, you are late, if you are late, you should have never came.' Since then, I set all clocks 15 minutes ahead. Competing in collegiate athletics taught me discipline, time management, and accountability—skills that have been essential in life after my playing days. I learned the value of teamwork, communication, and leadership, understanding that success comes from working toward a shared objective and supporting others along the way. Additionally, athletics taught me resilience—how to handle setbacks, adapt to challenges, and stay mentally strong—which has directly translated to my professional and personal life beyond sports."
ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 28 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
—KCAC—