Nikki Epley '94/97 is passionate about sports.
She played Shocker softball and since graduating has worked with a host of athletic-related entities: "Five Division I universities, one conference office, two Super Bowl Host Committees, four Super Bowl operations teams, two alumni associations, the NCAA men's basketball staff, and now, the first College Football Playoff," says Epley, who from 2001 to 2003 was director of special events at the WSU Alumni Association.
She describes her new position as challenging and exciting. "Any time you start something from the ground up, there are a lot of moving pieces to bring together," she says. "We are essentially preparing for a major sporting event while also establishing a league office, of sorts."
The CFB Playoff's inaugural national championship is set for January 2015. "As director of stadium and game operations, I focus on anything and everything that happens in and around the stadium," she says.
Epley, who lives in Irving, Texas, has, says MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin, "always been proud to be a Shocker, and she's let everyone know that." Says Epley, "I'm grateful for all of my experiences, the people I've met, mentors I've had – and my roots from Kansas."
