Fred Villarruel joined the Valparaiso University athletics department in August 2012 as the director of marketing.

In his role, Villarruel oversees and implements the department’s marketing, ticketing, sports information, branding, video and web stream production, digital media and social media efforts. Some of Villarruel's contributions include a complete overhaul of the department's social media, ValpoRewards.com, The Valpo Coaches Show, and Valpo's digital brand identity, Valpo All-Access.

Prior to his days at Valparaiso, Villarruel created his own media website, which he would eventually sell to CBS in 2007. Villarruel has also worked for software developer Electronic Arts to help market and promote their Madden and NCAA Football gaming series.  He has also contributed to the development of Purdue University's John Purdue Club website, which is responsible for raising 100 percent of the funds necessary to cover the tuition, room and board, books and academic support costs of Purdue's more than 500 student-athletes.

Villarruel earned a BA in Spanish in 2001 from Purdue University. He received his master's degree in Sports Media from Valparaiso University in 2014.

Villarruel resides in Valparaiso with his wife and two daughters.