PACE Leadership Role Is Full Circle Moment for Bellevue Alum
Julian Andrade found a home in recreational sports as a young boy, never knowing that one day he would provide the same sense of belonging for youth in his community. Recently appointed the Executive Director of PACE (Police Athletics for Community Engagement) in Omaha, Neb., this Bellevue University Sport Management Degree graduate has embraced his love of sports to make public service his life’s work.
Navigating an Uncertain Path
Growing up in South Omaha with divorced parents, playing recreational baseball provided some stability for Andrade. He even got his first job umpiring in his early teen years. However, he didn’t realize the career opportunities it would provide. “I was always interested but I had never really considered it a viable career,” he said.
Andrade graduated high school with a scholarship and began studies at a public university, but wasn’t sure what major to study or what direction to go. He decided to enter the workforce, and found himself working in the parks and recreation field at Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.
“We kept kids off the streets. I really liked what they were doing, but I needed to have a college degree to build a full-time career there,” he said. Furthering his education was imperative to showing donors the organization’s impact, inspiring kids with possibilities for their futures and ultimately securing the role he wanted.
An Unmatched Educational Experience
Returning to school meant finding the right fit for Andrade’s busy life. “I could no longer do a four-year traditional path,” he said. After completing his associate’s degree at a community college, he found Bellevue University was the perfect fit – thanks to a generous credit transfer policy, tuition reimbursement from his employer and the right program offering.
Andrade studied in a hybrid format, completing some courses online and others on campus. As he took on more responsibility at work, this flexibility made completing his degree more achievable. “They were really cutting edge with their hybrid model at the time,” he said.
He said he felt a strong sense of belonging and understanding from his fellow students and professors. “My professor knew I was working a lot and worked with me closely,” Andrade said. “Bellevue University was great at understanding the real challenges of a working adult. Professors go above and beyond in communication and getting to know your life.”
The program also directly connected to what he was doing every day in his job. “Every time we worked on a lesson, we could apply a real situation or a hypothetical. I was applying the lessons in real time to things I was working on - I didn’t need hypotheticals.”
With such a positive undergraduate experience, Andrade decided to pursue graduate work immediately after completing his bachelor’s degree in 2020.
Bellevue University was great at understanding the real challenges of a working adult. Professors go above and beyond in communication and getting to know your life.
Focusing on Equity in Recreation
After furthering his education, Andrade continued to grow within his field, assuming increasing responsibilities at Boys and Girls Club and then the City of Papillion – including running adult and youth sports programs, developing programming, overseeing staffing, and facilitating communications.
As Executive Director at PACE since June 2025, Andrade runs all operations for the organization that brings volunteer Omaha police officers and first responders together to offer free sports programs for at-risk and economically disadvantaged youth.
“The longer you keep them engaged, the less likely they are to find something on their own,” he said.
Andrade was honored to be chosen to lead an organization who faced some financial fraud troubles in recent years, followed by a short time with the Omaha Sports Commission taking on leadership as a contractor. “Our supporters wanted an executive director back in place, and I look forward to taking us in a positive direction,” he said.
He has a strong vision for the organization, starting with a strong focus on youth development and communications advancement. Andrade said though the organization has done impressive work in the community for more than two decades it’s time to take a look at where it can go next.
“Gender equity and age discrepancy are important to address,” he said. “Female representation has never been equitable at the recreational level. It has not been encouraged, and we have the chance to introduce programs to girls equally at a young age.”
Andrade said he also hopes to expand programs and grow offerings by considering neighborhoods and areas outside those traditionally considered to be in need. “This organization is for every child who needs it,” he said.
Ultimately, Andrade said his Bellevue University prepared him to lead PACE’s next era. “It was my only educational experience where I really felt part of the school. You weren’t just a number,” he said. “It enabled me to carry on to earn my masters and get my current role. Landing at Bellevue University was the best thing that could have happened.”