From 1969 to 2000, the Athletic Director has served both as the chair of the Athletic Department (alternatively named Physical Education and Health, Exercise Science, and Sports Management), and as the administrator of recreational and intercollegiate athletics. After 2000, that position split into the Athletic Director and the Chair of HSEM. The athletic department and its director have been involved in the formation of teams, in support organizations, and in the local community. The first director was Thomas Rosandich (1969-1971), and the second was Wayne Dannehl (1971-1990).
UW-Parkside began its athletic life as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and became a NCAA Division II school in 1992. It is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference since 1995.
Beginning in the late 1970s, the athletic program sponsored community camps and clinics along with hosting fundraisers for various program. In 1980 the UW-Parkside hosted the NCAA Cross Country Championships on its field now named for Wayne Dannehl.
