Ryan Harder joined the Buena Vista University athletics staff in 2022 as Assistant Director, Athletics Communication & Marketing. He had previously served the University in multiple roles, including Web & New Media Development Manager and Assistant Director of Marketing, since 2005.
Harder is the content lead for Beaver athletics' social media presences and oversees photography, video, print materials, and athletics branding. His work has been recognized by College Sports Communicators (CSC) in 2024 and 2025—including "Best of Division III" honors for photography, short form video/reels, and longform video/recaps. During his tenure, the Athletics Communication office has also been a nominee for the D3SIDA Regional Communicators of the Year.
Harder's association with Beaver athletics dates back to 2007, when he began serving as the public address announcer for men's and women's basketball. His enthusiastic shouting has echoed throughout the halls of Siebens Fieldhouse ever since. He has also created gameday video board graphics and audio for J. Leslie Rollins Stadium since 2009.
A proud BVU alum, Harder graduated in 1999 with a degree in Mass Communications. As a student, he was involved in a variety of communications activities, including campus television, radio, and journalism. Prior to returning to Storm Lake in 2005, Harder was the senior promotions writer/producer at KPTM and KXVO in Omaha, Neb., where his work earned awards from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association and the American Advertising Federation of Nebraska.
Outside his work with Beaver athletics, Harder is an enthusiast of photography and pop culture. He lives in Storm Lake with his wife Kara, sons Will and Ted, and a trio of reasonably behaved cats.
