Dave Paulsen serves as Director of Track & Field/Cross Country for University of Northern Iowa's Cross Country program in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Paulsen is in his fourth season as the director of track & field/cross in 2025-26 after being elevated to the position in October 2022. Paulsen, who served as head coach of both the track and field and cross country teams since 2015, continues to oversee the day-to-day operations of both programs.
He has been part of UNI's running programs for 14 years after serving as an assistant coach for UNI prior to the 2015-16 season at his alma mater. A former mid-distance runner and Panther All-American, Paulsen has led UNI to seven total MVC men's team track and field championships, including four indoor titles (2020, 2021, 2025, 2026) and three outdoor championships (2018, 2019, 2021). Paulsen also earned MVC Men's Coach of the Year honors in each of those championship runs as well. In just his second season as the head Panther, Paulsen also coach the UNI women's cross country team to its second MVC team title in 2016 and first since 2000.
