MISHAWAKA, IND. – Jason Lewkowicz has been named Athletic Director for the Bethel Pilots, beginning his tenure on July 1. Lewkowicz brings a wealth of experience to the role and has an extensive background in Christian higher education.
In his career, he has served as a resident director (Appalachian State, Baylor University), Director of Residence Life (University of Virginia’s College at Wise), Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field (Montreat College, Hannibal-LaGrange University, Eastern Mennonite University) and Senior Associate Director of Athletics (Montreat College). Most recently he has been serving as the Director of Philanthropy at Givens Communities in Asheville, N.C., since July 2024.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jason Lewkowicz as Bethel University’s new Athletic Director,” says Shawn Holtgren, Ph.D., vice president for spiritual life and university relations. “His wealth of experience and a deep commitment to nurturing student-athletes both on and off the field aligns perfectly with our mission. Jason will continue to champion a steadfast focus on keeping Christ at the center of our athletic programs, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity and faith.”
At Montreat College, Lewkowicz served a key role in helping oversee the athletic department as Senior Associate Director from 2022-2024, including spiritual development, fundraising, compliance, staff onboarding and long-range planning. He mentored and developed coaches within the athletic department and oversaw facility management and event scheduling. He also served as the representative for the athletic department on campus committees related to enrollment, retention, campus safety and student life.
From 2015-2024, he served as the Director of Men’s & Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field at Montreat, providing leadership for all aspects of the program – from recruitment (which grew from 15 to 80 athletes during his tenure) to program development, administration and fundraising. He also served as Director of the Montreat Summer Running Camp.
In his most recent role at Givens Communities, Lewkowicz has managed all fundraising initiatives and outreach endeavors for the organization, leading to several million in total giving for 2024, and a more than 40% increase in cash gifts.
“It is a privilege and honor to be named the next athletic director at Bethel University,” Lewkowicz says. “I would like to thank Vice President Shawn Holtgren and all of the amazing people who were a part of the search process. It became evident to me very quickly that Bethel was a special place with special people. I am excited to join in the important work being done there and to serve our coaches and staff by leading an athletic department that is Christ-centered, relationally driven and competitively excellent. I can’t wait to get started! Go Pilots!”
Lewkowicz has a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Science in History-Secondary Education, both from Appalachian State University. He is a two-time AAC Coach of Character award winner (2023, 2024), has received 11 Coach/Staff of the Year awards and his teams have achieved 10 team championships, among other accolades.
He will replace Tony Natali, who has served Bethel University for 26 years (six as athletic director) and is staying on as a consultant/advisor to aid the transition over the next school year.
“Jason will do an excellent job of continuing the core values that we’ve lived by the past several years of being a Christ-centered and student-athlete-focused athletic department. The legacy of Bethel Pilot athletics will continue to move forward under Jason’s leadership,” says Tony Natali, co-athletic director. “I look forward to working in the athletic department as a consultant/advisor during the coming year and helping Jason and Bethel in any way possible.”
Lewkowicz and his wife, Wendy, have been married for 23 years and have four sons. They look forward to being part of the Bethel community.