Liz Jarnigan joined the Valpo Athletics staff in December 2021 as the Associate Director of Athletics for Academic Support and Student Services. She was promoted to Executive Associate Athletic Director in August 2022 and currently serves as the department's Senior Woman Administrator. 

In her role as Executive Associate Athletic Director, Jarnigan serves as the sport administrator for football, volleyball, women’s golf and men’s golf. In addition, she oversees facilities, internal operations, academic services and student services.

Jarnigan brought a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics with her to Valpo, previously 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.

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).

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 a member of the football coaching staff at New Mexico State University, Jack is a 2019 Valparaiso University graduate and was a four-year starting center for the Valpo football team.