Faculty Features

Dr. Jesse Stipek

Assistant Professor of Practice, Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies
Director of Graduate Studies, Sport and Recreation Leadership

Dr. Jesse Stipek is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies and the Director of Graduate Studies for the Sport and Recreation Leadership program. Dr. Stipek’s professional experience includes being an assistant coach for the University of Arizona Swimming and Diving team. He has also held positions at various levels of coaching and teaching ranging from working with age groupers to NCAA Champions and Olympic Gold medalists. In his own athletic career, Dr. Stipek was an elite swimmer, competing as a part of the swim team while a college student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. During his collegiate swimming career, he was also a team captain. He also competed in the United States Olympic Swimming Trials in 2012.

Dr. Stipek’s research has focused on the need for new policies in relation to sexual assault within college athletics during the #MeToo movement. He also has a depth of expertise understanding sport through a sociopolitical lens, engaging the students with whom he learns to explore sport and recreation as multifaceted and through critical perspectives.

"I feel fortunate to be surrounded by folks who constantly inspire me to improve holistically. I have also been inspired by many of my former athletes and mentors in coaching (from my previous role as a swim coach at the U of A) and students. "

Who do you draw inspiration from and why?

I have been incredibly blessed to have unwavering support from my family, friends, colleagues, mentors, students, and athletes. I draw inspiration from my partner, Rachel, and stepdaughter, Piper. They have both consistently inspired me with their empathy and perseverance. Rachel has been steadfast in accomplishing her lofty goals and continually encourages me to do the same. Piper is a beacon of joy, and her positive energy is always contagious.

My parents, who are both lifelong public educators, have always inspired me with their steadfast guidance and support in whatever my obsession/goal was at the time. My incredibly endearing grandma, who everyone lovingly refers to as “Nana.”

My younger siblings and brother-in-law inspire me and remind me—gently — not to take Family game nights too seriously. My Aunt Debbie, who is the former Dean of Education at Stanford, has always inspired me with her wisdom and perspective—my best friend, Nathan Adrian, who is an Olympic Gold Medalist and cancer survivor.

My colleagues, Xingxing Wu and Lydia Crain, inspire me to improve my teaching methods and update my courses continually. I am also in awe of their impeccable timing of humor. From the beginning, my mentors, Mark Jenks and Matt Ostermeyer, have been nothing short of incredible with their counsel, encouraging coaching, and servant leadership. They provide the perfect balance of constructive criticism and positive validation. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by folks who constantly inspire me to improve holistically. I have also been inspired by many of my former athletes and mentors in coaching (from my previous role as a swim coach at the U of A) and students. I am constantly encouraged by the perspective and empathy of future generations.

Lastly, I am inspired by my two felines, Basil and Otis. They bring a calming presence and continually remind me of the necessary balance between mischief and rule following. They also validate the importance of recharging my social battery.

What are one or two accomplishments of which you are most proud?

The first accomplishment I am proud of is having the opportunity to combine my passions for coaching, teaching, and learning into a lifelong career. Intersecting the above passions wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many mentors who have helped me, and I am proud of the relationships I have cultivated. I am grateful and proud to continually be surrounded by folks with different experiences and expertise. Selfishly, those experiences help me learn and grow.

The second accomplishment I am proud of is qualifying for and competing in the United States Olympic Swimming Trials in 2012.

"I am proud of having the opportunity to combine my passions for coaching, teaching, and learning into a lifelong career."

What advice would you give to your younger self?

As many of you who have interacted with me are aware, I struggle with high anxiety—something that, oddly enough, often helps me complete tasks efficiently. I’m working on viewing that connection in a more positive light. If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to slow down, be more present, and appreciate the lessons learned from challenging experiences. I would also remind myself to practice patience when tackling those tasks. Even now, I’m continually learning to see my anxiety as something constructive and, most importantly, to allow myself to simply be me.

What is something you are working on currently that you’re excited about?

This past year has been a significant year for the Sport and Recreation Leadership program. I would be remiss not to mention that I am thrilled about the overall progress and growth of the program. It has been a winding process to develop an MA with stackable certificates, and I am excited about the ever-evolving product and the students in the program. Being the Director of Graduate Studies has allowed me the opportunity to cultivate and develop new skills. In this role, I have fostered relationships internally and externally on campus. I am advising a significant portion of our graduate students, and I developed and am teaching three new graduate courses in the SRL program. There has certainly not been a lack of learning curves, and I have immensely enjoyed broadening my skillset and working alongside my inspiring and kind colleagues in the TLS department.