Nikki Ayers

Nikki Ayers serves as the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Redlands. Prior to joining Redlands, Nikki served as Director of Athletics, overseeing 24 varsity sports and leading initiatives that enhanced athletic programs, facilities, and student engagement. During that time, she served on the College’s Leadership Council, contributing to improvements in the academic calendar, modernizing the athletic department, and working closely with the Vice President for Enrollment on a strategic plan for athletics enrollment, ensuring alignment between recruitment efforts and institutional goals. 

Prior to Juniata, Nikki served as the Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Claremont McKenna College. While at Claremont, she chaired the Title IX and Gender Equity Task Force, collaborating closely with their General Counsel to ensure best practices in compliance and equity. 

Nikki holds a Master of Science in Leadership with a concentration in Sports Leadership from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Juniata College. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in NCAA governance, chaired national committees, and spearheaded innovative strategies to support student-athletes’ academic and athletic success. She was recently elected to a three-year term with the National Association of Division III Athletics Administrators, which represents administrators from over 350 institutions and conferences competing at the Division III level, further underscoring her leadership and impact in the field.