SEATTLE – Former athletic director Tom Box was named the interim athletic director at Seattle Pacific University, President Daniel Martin announced Tuesday. Box previously led the SPU athletic department from July 1998 until July 2008.

During his previous tenure, five SPU teams were national runners-up and 14 student-athletes collected individual national championships.
 
This success stemmed from conference performance as SPU won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Sports award in 2006 and 2007. During this time, Falcon athletes excelled in the classroom as well, winning the GNAC Academic All-Sports award three straight years, from 2004 to 2006.
 
"SPU is very fortunate to have someone of Tom Box's caliber and experience to lead the athletic department," said Jeff Jordan, the SPU vice president for student life.
 
"I am excited and privileged to work alongside Tom as we set the stage for the 2015-16 academic year and for the future. Tom's insight and efforts will be valuable for the success of the athletic program and the university."

 

After leaving athletics in 2008, Box served as the vice president for university advancement and, most recently, as the president of the SPU Foundation. He provides significant experience in athletics, fundraising and external relations.
 
"SPU athletics has a stellar history of representing Seattle Pacific University with distinction. It's a joy and privilege to once again come alongside the great people of this department for the upcoming year," Box said. "Student-athletes are at the center of our commitments. Encouraging them in association with their coaches and other athletic department colleagues within the supportive student life structure, and always with a sense of partnership with our faculty, will be very fulfilling.
 
"I love the fact athletics connects with alumni and friends who closely follow Falcon sports and cheer for our teams. I'm looking forward to renewing acquaintance with fans and with members of our conference, the GNAC. This is an always-exciting area of service."
 
The interim appointment begins immediately for Box and will last until a new athletic director is in place. A national search will begin later this year. Box succeeds Erin O'Connell, who resigned in July after serving seven years in that position.

 

In addition, Amy Foster will serve as the interim associate athletic director for business and operations. Earlier this year, Foster added the title of Senior Woman Administrator. She has been serving as the assistant athletic director for business since 2010 and will continue those duties along with her assignment in this vital role at the NCAA Division II school.
 
The senior woman administrator (SWA) is the highest ranking female in each NCAA athletic department. The designation of SWA is intended to encourage and promote the involvement of female administrators in meaningful ways in the decision-making process in intercollegiate athletics.