Cindy McKnight is the first and only Athletic Director in the College’s history. She played a vital role in the creation of the athletic department in 1999 and its first eleven varsity programs (basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field and volleyball).

McKnight also paired with the College's administration to lead the process toward becoming a full-time member of the NCAA.

In 2006-07, she was named the Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. During her time as Athletic Director, she also spent two seasons as the Arrows head basketball coach.

With the NAIA’s installation of the Champions of Character program the same year Ursuline began competing in athletics, McKnight guided the Arrows athletic department into becoming one of the NAIA’s best, serving as the Champions of Character Program Director starting in 2007.

After Ursuline became eligible to be a Champions of Character Program Center in 2003, the Arrows were named a Champions of Character Institution five out of six years.

The recipient of an undergraduate degree from the College of Mount Saint Joseph, McKnight earned her Master’s Degree at Ashland University. She spent four years as head coach of the Urbana University women’s basketball program and eight years as Athletic Director and head coach of the Hiram College women’s basketball team.