Dana Rupe, an entrepreneurial leader with more than 20 years of experience launching and scaling businesses, has been named director of the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC). Rupe began her duties at Iowa JPEC on June 9.

Rupe, a native of Eddyville, Iowa, brings a strong track record building and scaling apparel and sports brands. Her portfolio includes founding and leading ventures such as the women’s activewear brand Alex + Abby and Daden Group, an apparel licensing vehicle for the industry. Rupe also co-founded Valley Apparel, which became a key licensing partner with adidas, for the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and more than 300 collegiate teams. After the company was acquired by adidas, she served as vice president of its team division, leading product development, international sourcing, and sales.

At the University of Iowa, Rupe recently served as an adjunct instructor, teaching social media marketing for fashion and lifestyle brands in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. A frequent guest lecturer and mentor, she is dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities that connect students with the real world of entrepreneurship.

“It’s an honor to step into this role at such a pivotal time for entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa and in our state,” Rupe said. “Iowa JPEC has a strong foundation, and I’m excited to build on it—expanding access, deepening industry connections, and supporting the next generation of Iowa’s innovators and changemakers.”

Rupe holds a Master of Science degree in textiles and clothing from Iowa State University and a Bachelor of Science in fashion merchandising and consumer studies from the University of Arizona. She succeeds longtime director Lynn Allendorf, who will remain on staff as a program assistant.

Iowa JPEC is part of the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. While based in Tippie, it serves students across all majors and supports innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the university.