SEATTLE – After spending the past 14 years writing about and reporting on Seattle Pacific athletics, Dan Lepse will spend the next several months leading the Falcons. 
 
Lepse has been named SPU's interim athletic director, as announced on Wednesday by Jeff Jordan, Vice Provost for Student Formation and Community Engagement. He will serve in that role for the remainder of the current academic year and to the end of June 2023. 
 
A 1987 graduate of SPU with a degree in sociology and a lifelong resident of the Ballard area, Lepse takes over for Jackson Stava, who became the AD in July 2016. Stava recently accepted a position as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 
 
"My desire is to continue the momentum that Jackson initiated," Lepse said "I want to provide support for Falcons student-athletes and coaches while advocating for the Athletic Department as we continue our partnership with the entire campus community." 
 
Jordan believes that Lepse's long-time connection with the school make him the right person to step into the interim role. 
 
 

"We are pleased and honored to have Dan provide leadership for SPU athletics during this transition time period," Jordan said. "Dan brings a great deal of experience about college athletics and specifically for our Falcon athletics program. We know Dan will provide stability and support for the teams and our staff during this time. We are blessed knowing his commitment and experience will provide a strong foundation." 
 
This will be Lepse's third time serving the Athletic Department. He was an assistant in sports information from 1984-89. Then, after 18 years as assistant sports information director at the University of Washington, Lepse returned to Seattle Pacific in July 2008 as assistant athletic director for sports information. He remained there until stepping away this past August. 
 
"Seattle Pacific University is an extraordinary place, and my previous stints produced many fond memories," Lepse said, "especially the opportunities to collaborate with remarkable student-athletes, coaches and staff. I'm excited to return to the Athletic Department and again work alongside those talented people."