Oskaloosa–William Penn University President John Ottosson is proud to announce that Nik Rule has been hired as the University’s new Athletics Director.
Rule, who has a rich and diverse history at William Penn, replaces Greg Hafner who recently retired. Hafner had served as the University’s Athletics Director since 2007.
“I am pleased with Nik’s appointment as William Penn’s Athletics Director,” Ottosson said. “His energy, enthusiasm, and array of skills will enable us to build on the great foundation that is in place. Nik experienced our University as a student-athlete himself and has a deep commitment to our heritage and mission.”
“In his time in the Advancement/Alumni office, he built relationships in the community and with our alumni that will serve him well and inform his vision as we move forward,” Ottosson added. “Nik has demonstrated a willingness to look at the big picture here at William Penn. We are excited to have him assume this role.”
A 2010 graduate of WPU with a degree in History/Government, Rule also received a Master’s of Business Leadership from his alma mater in 2016. He earned another Master’s (Sports Administration) from Liberty University in 2015.
Rule comes across campus, having been the Director of Corporate/Foundation Relations and Athletics Booster Club since 2012. He was responsible for cultivating relationships with alumni, businesses, and foundations and served as liaison between the Advancement and Athletics departments. He established the Corporate Sponsorship Program and oversaw the growth of the Athletics Booster Club. Rule also started the Penn Pride Apparel Store and coordinated the negotiations for William Penn’s apparel contract with Nike.
Additionally, Rule led the reorganization of the Penn Zone and guided a committee in the expansion and relocation of the Athletics Hall of Fame.
“I want to thank President Ottosson, the cabinet, and the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with this important position”,” Rule said. “I look forward to building on the momentum that Greg Hafner established in our athletics department.”
“We have amazing coaches and staff right now who work hard every day to enhance the student-athlete experience,” Rule added. “I look forward to working with them, gathering their ideas, and continuing to build an environment that will lead to results that will make Statesmen Nation proud.”
Rule has also been the Head Women’s Golf Coach since 2010 and grew a once struggling program into a dominant force within the Heart of America Athletic Conference and the NAIA.
He directed the team to four consecutive league crowns and four top-20 NAIA National Championship finishes. The program ranked in the nation’s top 25 for four straight years. He was named Conference Coach of the Year on four occasions, led the team to two NAIA Buffalo Funds Champions of Character Team Awards, and was named the Heart’s Champions of Character Coach of the Year as well.
Beyond guiding the Statesmen to great success on and off the course, Rule also founded the Edmundson-Statesmen Junior Golf Association in conjunction with Matt Sherlock and Jeff Smith at Edmundson and Harvest Point Golf Courses in 2016 to grow the game with local youth.
Prior to his time at William Penn, Rule worked at Musco Sports Lighting from 2010-2012. While at Musco, he managed a project-driven team tasked with carrying out company and community projects. He developed and served as editor of the Musco Connection company newsletter.
Student Government President for two years at William Penn, Rule has also served the Oskaloosa community in various ways, highlighted by being a member of the Oskaloosa Community School Board.
As a Statesmen student-athlete who competed in soccer and golf, Rule was a three-time first-team all-conference performer on the pitch (also league Newcomer of the Year). He also earned an NAIA Scholar-Athlete honor and two Region VII Scholar-Athlete laurels. Rule earned the league’s NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award as well.
Story provided by Wade Steinlage
