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 — BETHANY COLLEGE
Alumnus: Ryan Swartz
Degrees Earned at Bethany: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Management (2000)
Additional Degrees Earned: Master of Business Administration, Rockhurst University (2003); Holds a Certified Financial Planner distinction.
Career Alumnus Currently Holds: Partner/Managing Director -
Creative Planning, LLC (One of the leading independent comprehensive wealth management firms in the country.)
How did your time at Bethany help to prepare you for life after college/entering the workforce?
SWARTZ: "Bethany's close-knit community, hands-on learning environment, and leadership opportunities taught me to take ownership of my growth. The combination of academic preparation, faculty mentorship, and experiences as a student-athlete and campus leader provided the foundation for my career in financial services and the leadership skills I rely on today."
Were there any pre-professional experiences (internships/job shadows/etc.) during your college years that prepared you for entering your chosen field?
SWARTZ: "The close access to faculty, alumni, and business professionals at Bethany provided real-world exposure that helped bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce. The combination of entrepreneurship, problem-solving, leadership opportunities, and direct interaction with industry professionals challenged me to think independently, embrace new possibilities, and develop the confidence and skills that have been instrumental throughout my career in financial services and entrepreneurship."
What lessons did you learn competing in collegiate athletics that helped prepare you for life after your playing days were over?
SWARTZ: "Competing in collegiate athletics taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The commitment required to compete at a high level—early mornings, long days, and countless hours of preparation—instilled a drive to succeed and a belief that anything is possible when a group of people commits itself to a common goal. Our team's success, including back-to-back national tournament appearances and KCAC championships, demonstrated what can be accomplished through consistent effort, accountability, and trust in one another. Equally meaningful were the lifelong relationships I built, including meeting my wife at Bethany during a time when both the men's and women's basketball programs were achieving unprecedented success. As a student-athlete, I learned to embrace challenges, persevere through adversity, and continually push beyond perceived limitations. Those lessons continue to guide me today and have shaped my approach to leadership, business, and life."
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.
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