Bryant University

Ron and Kati Machtley
President Emeritus and First Lady
Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Behind the leadership and vision of President Ronald K. Machtley and First Lady Kati Machtley, Bryant University enjoyed unprecedented growth academically and athletically during their 23 years at Bryant and were the catalyst in transforming Bryant from a regional business college to a nationally-ranked, world-class university. 

Named President in 1996, Bryant Athletics saw the addition of football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, field hockey and swimming & diving under President Machtley’s leadership and the Bulldogs quickly became a regional power at the Division II level, winning back-to-back conference commissioner cups for overall success. In 2012, Bryant’s varsity athletics program joined the Division I ranks as members of the Northeast Conference and the success continued with Bryant winning 20 conference titles and sending 21 teams to compete in the NCAA Division I Championships over the next nine years.

Kati was the founder of the annual Women’s Summit that not only helped women achieve professional development, but was a significant initiative to help women, both athletes and non-athletes, develop as leaders on campus. In addition, she founded the first ever Pep Band on campus to give energetic life to our athletic events. Together as President and First Lady, they cheered and led attendance at more athletic events during their tenure than anyone else other than non-athletic personnel, always willing to share a smile and a word of positive encouragement to all athletes, no matter the outcome of the athletic event.