GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Bill Chaves announced on Thursday, June 1 that Liz Jarnigan has been hired as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations as well as the Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) for the department.
"Today, our athletic department got better," said Chaves. Adding Liz to an already strong administrative team will help support all of our student-athletes, coaches and athletic programs. I would like to thank Deputy Athletics Director Erik Martinson for his outstanding leadership during this process."
Jarnigan comes to North Dakota following an extensive 35-year career in athletics leadership, most recently spending time as the Executive Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations/SWA at Valparaiso University. There, Jarnigan provided oversight to the department's internal operations and policies and procedures updates while helping develop an advising system to proactively track student-athlete progress towards their degree and also serving as a sport supervisor for multiple sports, including football.
"Having the utmost respect for the leadership at North Dakota, including Bill Chaves and President Dr. Andy Armacost, I am honored to join the UND team," said Jarnigan. "Supporting the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes is my passion, and the opportunity to bring my experience to the Fighting Hawks is a privilege."
Prior to her time at Valpo, Jarnigan served as the Director of Athletics at Southern Illinois from 2019-21. During her time at the helm in Carbondale, she helped the Salukis thrive in competition, reaching the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national quarterfinals, making an NCAA appearance in softball and boasting five track & field All-Americans. The Saluki athletic program also earned the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference All-Academic Award for the highest overall grade point average by the entire department.
Before her promotion to the top spot at SIU, Jarnigan served as the school's Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Chief Operating Officer/SWA from 2018–19, leading the department's overall internal operations. She also has experience in athletics administration at the following institutions — Air Force (Associate AD/SWA, 2016–18), San Jose State (Senior Associate AD for Academics & Student Services/SWA, 2008–16), Tulsa (Associate AD for Student Services, 2007–08; Coordinator of Student Services, 2001–06) and Briar Cliff College (Assistant AD, 1994–96).
She also owns a wealth of high school and college teaching and coaching experience in Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas. She was the head women's volleyball coach at Bethel College (1989–94), Briar Cliff College (1994–96) and Carleton College (1996–99). The 1987 St. Olaf College alum was a four-year letter winner in volleyball. She received her master's in athletic administration from Fort Hays State University in 1988.
Jarnigan's husband Jeff currently serves as the Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach for the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and the couple have three adult children – Mary, Emily and Jack.
For more information on North Dakota athletics, follow on social media @UNDsports or visit FightingHawks.com.
