ROCKLIN – Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt has announced he is stepping down from his role at Jessup University, effective July 31, bringing to an end a 12-year tenure with the Warriors. Von Vogt leaves a lasting legacy in Rocklin as an administrator and on the basketball court.
 
The university, led by President Dr. John Jackson, will conduct a nationwide search to find the next leader of Jessup Athletics.

"Lance has faithfully served Jessup for the past 12 years, bringing vision, energy, and unwavering dedication to our mission," said Dr. Jackson. "As a member of both the Senior Leadership Team and the Executive Team, his impact has extended well beyond the Athletics Department."

Von Vogt joined the Jessup family in June of 2013 as the head men's basketball coach following a successful stint at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, WA. In ten seasons on the bench, Von Vogt produced 181 wins, the most in program history, and brought the Warriors to the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament three times (2016, 2019, 2022). The 2021-22 season was historic for the Warriors as the team won a record 30 games, reached No. 4 in the NAIA Coaches' Poll, and finished the season in the NAIA Quarterfinals.
 
Jessup cracked the NAIA top 25 in eight consecutive seasons under Von Vogt.
 
The Warriors produced two NAIA First-Team All-Americans in Von Vogt's ten seasons: Keith Phillips (2019) and Cashemin Williams (2022). Both were recognized as GSAC Player of the Year as well.
 
When Von Vogt joined the Warriors, Jessup was in its final season of membership in the California Pacific Conference (CalPac). He guided the Warriors into the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) in 2014. The Warriors appeared in the GSAC championship game in 2019 and 2022, with the 2019 title game happening on the Warriors' home floor inside Warrior Arena.
 
Von Vogt's role with the Warriors grew deeper than basketball in 2016 when President Jackson named him the Director of Athletics of Jessup University. In April of 2023, Von Vogt's role grew once again when he was appointed Vice President of Athletics.
 
Since assuming the role of Athletic Director in 2016, Jessup University has expanded with the addition of seven new programs: Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Tennis, STUNT, Sideline Cheer, Men's Volleyball, and Dance. Jessup Athletics has also expanded its staff under Von Vogt, with the number of full-time employees increasing from six to over 35. These full-time positions include administrative positions, head coaches, athletic trainers, and assistant coaches.
 
Von Vogt championed Jessup's partnership with the city of Lincoln, which led to the revitalization of historic McBean Stadium, making it the home of Jessup Baseball at the start of the 2017 season. The relationship with the City of Lincoln has continued with the addition of Foskett Regional Park as the home for Jessup Softball, and Lincoln Hills Golf Club serving as the home course for Jessup Golf. Jessup also partnered with Blues FC, leading to the construction of Jessup's on-campus turf soccer complex that opened in the fall of 2021.
 
In 2022, Von Vogt was named the GSAC Athletic Director of the Year. In the summer of 2023, one of Von Vogt's most significant projects paid dividends as Jessup was notified of its acceptance as a provisional member of NCAA Division II and the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference.

"Under Lance's leadership, Jessup Athletics experienced unprecedented growth and competitive success," added Dr. Jackson. "These milestones would not have been possible without his strategic leadership and commitment to excellence."

Jessup wrapped up its final season of NAIA membership in May of 2024 and began year one of NCAA Division II competition later that fall. Last week, Jessup University was granted full NCAA membership after a waiver for the third year of provisional membership had been approved.
 
The university will be NCAA postseason-eligible effective September 1.
 
Jessup University is indebted to Lance Von Vogt for his 12 years spent with the Warriors. Associate Athletic Director Scott Sorgea will step in as Interim Athletic Director while the university completes a national search for the Athletic Director position.
   
Jessup University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).