Dr. Ryan Vitatoe lives in Harlan County, Kentucky, deep in the heart of Southeastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Fran. They have a daughter, Abby, who recently completed her Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education.. They also have a cute pup, Tucker, who is a cockapoo and a certified good boy (Abby's words).

Dr. Vitatoe worked in higher education his entire career, serving as a director of enrollment and as an adjunct instructor at Lindsey Wilson College, and is very excited to work with the exceptional students here at the University of Western States. He earned a PhD in counseling education and supervision, is a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor (LPCC-S) in the state of Kentucky, and a nationally certified counselor (NCC). As a clinician, his expertise is with children and adolescents who experience behavioral and emotional disorders. He spent his early career working with youth placed in residential group homes. He is entering his third year as an adjunct instructor here at the University of Western States.

He also serves as a track and cross-country coach at the local high school. He competed at the collegiate level and had the privilege to give back to the sport by serving the youth of Appalachia. He is proud of the successes on the track and trail, having paved the way for 41 student-athletes to attend college on scholarship. Appalachia has one of the lowest levels of postsecondary attainment in the entire United States, so Dr. Vitatoe takes great pride in helping youth earn opportunities to remove or minimize equity gaps in education.