President Phil Schubert announced Thursday morning in front of faculty and staff that Lee De León had been selected as the eighth director of athletics for ACU.

De León will take over all duties and responsibilities on Dec. 1.

“I feel so blessed and honored to serve as the director of athletics here, De León said. “As soon as I set foot on campus, I knew it was a special place. As a Christian university in my home state that recently joined the NCAA Division I ranks, it’s the perfect fit – spiritually, academically and athletically – for my family and me.”

De León joins ACU after spending the past three and a half years as the associate director of athletics for the University of New Mexico. He earned his B.B.A. degree in marketing in 2004 from University of Notre Dame, a master’s degree in sports management from Texas A&M in 2005 and has worked for the University of Arizona, University of Houston and Louisiana State University.

“I have devoted the last 10 years of my career to preparing to lead an athletics program, and I am humbled to have been selected by Dr. Schubert to have that opportunity at a university as prestigious as ACU,” De León said. “With the fifth most national team championships in NCAA history, it’s clear that ACU athletics has a rich tradition of excellence. The future is incredibly bright as we move forward in our second year at the Division I level and I can’t wait to help build upon the momentum.”

After former athletic director Jared Mosley resigned in late August, Schubert began the search to find someone who could lead ACU into the new frontier of Div. I athletics as well as exhibit characteristics and morals that reflect on the ACU mission statement.

“After an extensive national search, I believe we’ve found a leader whose commitment to faith influences all aspects of his life and who he is, Schubert said. “Lee also has broad experience in intercollegiate athletics and has been a part of several highly successful NCAA Division I programs. I believe that experience will give him great perspective as we continue to navigate our transition to Division I.

De León is married to his wife, Lacy, and has two sons, Landon (3) and Luke (one week).