Dr. Ryan "Pete" Manely serves as the Graduate Program Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at Sterling College. Throughout his time at Sterling, Pete has remained passionate about the people who make the College special. “For me, Sterling has always been about the people. I am passionate about our students and take great pride in the relationships, mentorship, and sense of family we have created within our Athletic Training program.”

Pete has been actively involved in athletic training education and leadership at both the collegiate and national levels. He has twice been recognized as the NAIA Athletic Trainers Association Athletic Trainer of the Year and has served the NAIA-ATA in numerous leadership roles, including President-Elect, President, and Past-President. His national service has also included representing athletic trainers on the NAIA National Advisory Council and contributing to initiatives focused on the health, safety, and well-being of NAIA student-athletes. Pete has presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Clinical Symposia and continues to be actively involved in advancing the athletic training profession.

His honors also include induction into the Barton Community College Athletic Hall of Fame and being named Sterling College’s McCreery Teacher of the Year. While Pete values these professional recognitions, his greatest fulfillment comes from teaching, mentoring, and preparing students to become outstanding healthcare professionals and people.

Outside of Sterling, Pete enjoys music, reading, Kansas City Chiefs football, BBQ and catering through Pete’s Back Alley BBQ, and spending time with family and friends. Most importantly, he enjoys life with his wife, Kay, and their three children, Cord, Brielle, and Braylen. A native of Lebanon, Kansas, Pete remains proud of his small-town roots and the values of faith, relationships, service, and community that continue to shape his life and work.