BABSON PARK, Mass.— Pamela P. and Brian M. Barefoot Associate Vice President for Athletics and Athletics Advancement Mike Lynch announced the appointment of Chris Ikier as Babson College's director of athletics performance and athletics health care administrator on Thursday morning. 

Ikier replaces Rick Burr P'21 P'23 P'25, who retired after 23 years at Babson last month. 

An experienced clinician with more than a decade at the collegiate level, Ikier comes to Babson after serving as the director of athletic training services & sports performance at nearby Lasell University since 2023. In three years at Lasell, he developed the department's sports medicine handbook that included a concussion management policy, emergency action plans and operational guidelines, and expanded the Lasers' medical provider network. 

Ikier utilized Catapult to enhance student-athlete performance while reducing the risk of injury and collaborated with multiple departments across campus to create more resources for student-athletes. He also served on a committee that helped to renovate Lasell's main fitness center to suit the needs of its student-athletes. 

"I am excited to welcome Chris to the department as the director of athletics performance and athletics healthcare administrator," said Lynch. "He has built an impressive resume as a clinician, educator and leader while showing a commitment to student-athlete well-being that I'm confident will have a positive impact for all our programs."

Prior to his time at Lasell, Ikier began a three-year stint as an athletic trainer at Tufts University in August 2020. He was responsible for scheduling athletic trainers, further developing concussion rehabilitation techniques to aid recovery for student-athletes, and collaborated with team physicians. 

Ikier served as an assistant athletic trainer at Regis College from 2018-20, working closely with the cross country, track & field and swimming & diving programs, and got his start in collegiate athletics as an assistant athletic trainer at Mount Ida College from 2016-18. He also spent two years as a volunteer athletic trainer with the Boston Cannons beginning in May 2016. 

"I am excited to join the Babson community and I want to thank Mike Lynch for the opportunity," said Ikier. "I look forward to collaborating with such a talented athletic training and sports performance staff and I am confident we will make a positive impact on our student-athletes' experiences at Babson."

In addition to his experience in athletic training, Ikier has served as an adjunct professor at both Lasell and Merrimack College since 2022 teaching masters level courses in emergency management and preparedness, fundamental skills in athletic training and healthcare management & quality improvement. 

A 2016 graduate of Lasell with a degree in athletic training, Ikier was a four-year member of the Lasers' men's lacrosse program and served as team captain as a senior. He also earned his master's degree in rehabilitation science from Lasell in 2019. 

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What others are saying about Chris Ikier: 

"Chris is a fantastic clinician who is always pushing himself and his staff to be better. He will bring this mentality to Babson and will take the sports medicine department to the next level. I wish Chris nothing but the best of luck with the Beavers!"
-Rick Cox, Tufts University Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Health and Performance

"I've known Rick Burr for over 25 years and considered him a mentor both as a student and in my professional career. Chris has large shoes to fill but his experience as a Division III student-athlete, strong work ethic and continuous growth mindset has positioned him perfectly for this opportunity. Chris has made a positive impact at every school he has worked with across the Division III landscape and I'm sure that the Babson community will enjoy working with him."
-Ron LeClair, Regis College Associate Athletic Director for Operations / Head Athletic Trainer

"Babson had enormous shoes to fill following the retirement of Rick Burr, but they made a fantastic choice in hiring Chris Ikier to lead their sports medicine and performance team. Chris is an outstanding clinician who truly puts his student- athletes first. Beyond his excellent clinical skills, he is simply a great person to work with and be around. I am extremely happy for Chris and excited to follow his continued career progression."
-Matthew Whalen, Brown University Associate AD, Sports Medicine