Ray Purpur joined Stanford in 1994 and currently serves as Deputy Director of Athletics for a department with over 400 coaches and staff and more than 800 student-athletes.
Purpur, who has directly solicited more than $580 million in gifts, manages the long-term Facilities Master Plan, valued at $675 million. His efforts in leading over $850 million in facility upgrades and construction projects have resulted in an additional 704,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for student-athlete experience, well-being and academic success.
Purpur has overseen the development of athletic facilities, including competition and practice sites for all 36 varsity teams. Purpur spearheaded 16 new facilities, including Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation, Arrillaga Center at SLAC, Arrillaga Field House, Arrillaga Gymnasium & Weight Room, Arrillaga Hall, Arrillaga Outdoor Education & Recreation Center, Arrillaga Rowing & Sailing Center, Cagan Stadium, Smith Family Softball Stadium, Softball Clubhouse, Stanford Beach Volleyball Stadium, Stanford Campus Recreational Association, Stanford Field Hockey Stadium, Stueber Rugby Stadium, Stanford Campus Recreational Association and Weinstein Field House. Major renovations or additions have been completed at Arrillaga Family Sports Center, Avery Aquatic Center, Band Rehearsal Center, Cobb Track and Angel Field, Ford Center & Burnham Pavilion, Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, Maples Pavilion, Stanford Golf Course, Stanford Red Barn, and Stanford Stadium. Upcoming projects include the new Arrillaga Tennis Center, a new Softball Stadium and another large addition to Maples Pavilion.
During Purpur's tenure at Stanford, the department added five sports and the budget has grown from $19 million in 1994 to over $150 million. Prior leadership responsibilities in the department include Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Facilities, Events, Guest Services and Sport Administration. Ray led the initiation and development of the Women’s Lightweight Rowing program, hiring head coach Al Acosta, who was named a five-time National Coach of the Year. Purpur has also managed the Stanford Golf Course, the Stanford Community Recreation Association and the Stanford Red Barn Equestrian Center.
A former University Fellow, Purpur also has taught a two-credit undergraduate class at Stanford - the Business Practices in Sports and Recreation. Purpur has been the President of the Stanford Faculty Club since 2010. During his tenure, the Faculty Club budget has enjoyed revenue growth from $3 million to $5 million, doubled the member programs and has completed over $2 million in facility upgrades.
Ray’s decades-long community engagement and leadership includes serving as president of the San Joaquin American Heart Association, the Child Abuse Prevention Council and the San Jose Arena Authority. Purpur has also served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Positive Coaching Alliance and the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Purpur is a frequent guest lecturer and public speaker, sharing his expertise in intercollegiate athletics management and the student-athlete and fan experience.
Purpur worked as an athletic trainer for four years during his undergraduate studies at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. Starting as a graduate assistant and leaving as assistant athletic director, Purpur earned a master's degree in sport sciences from the University of the Pacific. Influential mentors include the late John Arrillaga, Sr., John Arrillaga, Jr. and Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen.
Purpur and his wife, Terrie, live on Stanford’s campus and have two adult children, Alicia and Ryan.