Alex Ricker-Gilbert is a highly educated and accomplished sports administrator passionate about kinesiology and athletics. Originally from Tolland, Connecticut, he attended Pennsylvania State University in 2005, earning his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of human movement and includes the principles and mechanisms of motion in the human body concerning anatomy, biomechanics, neuropsychology, pathology, and physiology. After completing his degree at Pennsylvania State University, Ricker-Gilbert continued his studies in sports management at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. In 2011, he received a master's degree in sports management, athletics, and public administration. West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, providing him with a well-rounded education. In 2017, Ricker-Gilbert began studying business administration at Jacksonville University, a private liberal arts university in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated with an MBA in 2020 and is currently Jacksonville University's athletics department's senior vice president and director. The athletics teams at Jacksonville are called "the Dolphins" and compete within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and participate in the ASUN Conference and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). Ricker-Gilbert has been named Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, a professional organization for university athletic directors. This recognition was for his excellent work at Jacksonville University, where he oversees the Hall of Fame, the booster engagement program, and the enterprise risk management for the athletics department. He also manages its compliance and student-athlete services units.