Valparaiso University Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera has announced the hiring of Liz Jarnigan, who will serve as the department’s Associate Director of Athletics for Academic Support and Student Services.

In addition, LaBarbera has promoted Candy Jessen to Associate Director of Athletics for Business Services.

Jarnigan brings a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics with her to Valpo, most recently having served as the Director of Athletics at Southern Illinois University from 2019–2021. During her time in Carbondale, she helped the Salukis earn the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference All-Academic Award for the highest overall student-athlete grade point average. SIU also thrived in competition during her tenure, reaching the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national quarterfinals, making an NCAA appearance in softball and boasting five track & field All-Americans.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Liz Jarnigan’s quality joining Valpo Athletics,” LaBarbera said. “She brings extensive experience as an administrator and advocate for student-athletes at a variety of quality Division-I schools to our campus. Liz’s background combined with her time as a coach and as a parent of college student-athletes gives her a unique understanding of the Valpo Experience.”

Prior to her promotion to the top spot at SIU, Jarnigan served as the school’s Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator from 2018–2019, leading the department’s overall internal operations and hiring six new head coaches. She also has experience in athletics administration at the following institutions — Air Force (Associate AD/SWA, 2016–2018), San Jose State (Senior Associate AD for Academics& Student Services / SWA, 2008–2016), Tulsa (Associate AD for Student Services, 2007–2008; Coordinator of Student Services, 2001–2006) and Briar Cliff College (Assistant AD, 1994–1996).

“I am thrilled to be joining the Valpo team,” Jarnigan said. “The opportunity to serve student-athletes, coaches and members of the Valparaiso community is a privilege. I have grown to love this University and respect the departmental leadership of Mark LaBarbera and Sarah Pruess. Supporting the academic, athletic and personal development of student-athletes has been my professional passion, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Mark and Sarah in support of student-athlete success at Valpo.”

Jarnigan also owns high school and college teaching and coaching experience in Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas. She was the head women’s volleyball coach at Bethel College (1989–1994), Briar Cliff College (1994–1996) and Carleton College (1996–1999). 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 is an assistant general manager and coach for the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. They have three children – Mary, Emily and Jack. Currently the offensive line coach at Wisconsin-River Falls, Jack is a 2019 Valparaiso University graduate and was a four-year starting center for the Valpo football team.

A fixture in Valpo Athletics since 1998, Jessen was promoted to Assistant AD for Business Services in September 2017. She previously served as the department’s administrative assistant (2003–2017), recruiting secretary (2001–2003) and football administrative assistant. In her role, Jessen oversees all aspects of the Valpo Athletics budget.

“The thoughtful and professional management of our financial resources is critical to our ability to continue to provide Valpo's student-athletes a quality competitive experience,” LaBarbera said. “Candy’s efforts have been especially important as we manage through COVID and all of the challenges it continues to present.”