Ryne Smith joined the John Purdue Club as the assistant director of development, annual giving in July 2024. In this role, he cultivates relationships with donors, manages ticket sales and works to grow the annual fund.
Prior to John Purdue Club, Smith spent seven years coaching Division 1 college basketball. He had two-year stints at both Miami University and the University of the Incarnate Word, and most recently worked for three years at Mercer University.
Smith is a Purdue men’s basketball alum, playing for head coach Matt Painter from 2008-2012 and finishing his degree in 2013. He was a member of the 2009 Big Ten Tournament Championship team, the 2009-10 Big Ten Championship team, and played in the NCAA Tournament all four years of his tenure, making two Sweet 16 trips.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Smith and his family have made West Lafayette home. His wife, Sami, is a West Lafayette native and Purdue graduate. Ryne and Sami have three children together: Harper, Olivia and Ty.