Chadron State College Athletic Hall of Fame
Rankin was president of Chadron State College nearly 12 years beginning in September 1986, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for meritorious service
Rankin exerted the leadership that brought many positive changes for CSC athletics. The achievements included obtaining membership for the Eagles in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and NCAA Division II, expanding and improving the stadium and press box at Elliott Field, increasing support for athletics and hiring Brad Smith as the football coach and then elevating him to athletic director.
Also during Rankin’s tenure as president, the Eagles added women’s golf and took steps that improved the track and field program. Rankin stepped down as president in June 1998 and was on the college staff full-time as Board of Trustees Professor of History through the 2005-06 school year. He and his wife, Sharon, now live near Dayton, Ohio, their hometown.
