LA VERNE – On July 25, 2022, University of La Verne (ULV) President Dr. Devorah Lieberman announced the promotion of Dr. Jenna Panatier to Director of Athletics. With her selection, Panatier will be the second woman in ULV history to lead its athletics operations.
"I am delighted to welcome Jenna into the role of Director of Athletics," Lieberman said. "She brings not only a wealth of experience into this position but also a student-centered approach to leadership and a deep commitment to maintaining a competitive and winning culture. The future of Leopard athletics is bright."
Panatier started her career at ULV in January 2011 when she was hired to lead the Leopards as the Head Women's Volleyball Coach. In July 2013, she took on the additional duties of Assistant Athletic Director while still serving as the Head Volleyball Coach, and was promoted to Senior Associate Athletics Director/Head Volleyball Coach in 2017. Panatier stepped away from college coaching and moved fully into administration when Scott Winterburn became Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach in August 2019. She was subsequently promoted to Deputy Director in 2021. This year Winterburn chose to return to the coaching realm full-time, opening up the opportunity for Panatier's advancement.
"The University of La Verne is an incredible place that offers people a space in which to grow and learn. I am so grateful to President Lieberman and the University's senior leadership for this fabulous opportunity in an exciting new chapter for Leopard Athletics," said Panatier. "With the support of the amazing humans in our Athletics department, we will continue to be diligent in our goal of providing a stellar collegiate experience for our student-athletes."
Panatier graduated from St. John's University (New York) with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Business in 1998, an MBA from Lipscomb University (Tenn.) in 2008, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 2022.