Davis & Elkins College Associate Professor of Sport Science and Compliance Coordinator for Athletics, Jennifer Riggleman, Ed.D., has been appointed by President Chris A. Wood as D&E’s Athletic Director, effective July 1. Riggleman is the first female to be appointed Athletic Director at Davis & Elkins College.

Riggleman has been associated with Davis & Elkins College since 2002, fulfilling numerous roles and successfully implementing exceptional service to the College in that time. Her field and higher education experiences have created a path toward such notable achievements as establishing matriculation agreements to secure seats for Davis & Elkins College graduates at Marshall University for the Doctorate in Physical Therapy and at Bridgewater College and Waynesburg University for the Master’s in Athletic Training programs, and being awarded tenure and promoted to Associate Professor at D&E. Also among these notable achievements are the Lois Latham Teaching Excellence Award and the Faculty Mentor of the Year by the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC).

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rob Phillips, says, “Dr. Riggleman’s time at D&E has been marked by significant accomplishments as both a faculty member and athletic administrator. Her knowledge, concern for our student-athletes and ability to build relationships across the campus will certainly advance the mission of the Athletic Department and the College as a whole.”

Riggleman’s educational endeavors began at West Virginia University, where she was pursuant of Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Exercise Science. She would go on to obtain her Doctorate in Education Leadership with emphasis in Higher Education Administration from Marshall University. Riggleman’s clinical background includes the position of Director of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which she held for seven years.

“I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the D&E athletic department into a bright future,” says Riggleman. “I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching students in a variety of classes, in addition to the administrative positions in athletics I have been able to fill. Athletics is such an integral part of D&E’s campus, and I am excited to have a new perspective and be able to guide and support our athletic staff and student athletes to reach new heights in the 4 pillars of Education, Engagement, Character, and Competition that anchor the department.”

Perhaps even more notable than academic achievement has been her service to Davis & Elkins College and the surrounding community. Riggleman has been the Co-Chair for the “Moving the Needle” initiative for Module: The Business of Being a Student since 2022, Faculty Development Committee Co-Chair since 2022, Faculty Mentor since 2020 and Faculty Marshall since 2015. Through the College, Riggleman has also served as: Engaged Learning First Year Seminar and Pathways Committee; Teagle Grant Committee; Mentor Program; Admissions and Academic Standing Committee; Faculty Assembly Secretary; Davis & Elkins College Care Team; Chair of the Faculty Athletic Representative Council, and many other service roles within the College and its various committees.

Outside of D&E, Riggleman remains engaged with the surrounding community, serving as: Member of Board of Directors for Community Care of West Virginia; Member of Family Treatment Court Advisory Committee; WVU School of Pharmacy American Pharmacists Association Health Fair; Fields of Faith; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Project Life Change; Healthy Living Expos.

“Dr. Riggleman is ideal to step into this important role at Davis and Elkins,” says D&E President Chris A. Wood. “As a faculty member, she is highly respected by colleagues and students alike. She has been working with the Athletic Department for several years as both Faculty Athletics Representative and Compliance Officer and is held in highest esteem by our coaches. Finally, she has my trust and has already demonstrated her value as an advisor and member of the College Cabinet. D&E Athletics is in very capable hands.”

Riggleman remains married to her husband of 31 years, Phil Riggleman, and celebrates her family of five children and six grandchildren.

Editor's Note: Photo of Dr. Riggleman courtesy of Davis & Elkins College.