By: Life U Athletics
MARIETTA, Ga. — After nearly a decade of service to Life University, Jayme Pendergast has decided to step down from her roles as Director of Athletics and Executive Advisor for Strategic Priorities. Her final day with the University will be September 4, 2026.
Since joining Life U as Director of Athletics in October 2016, Pendergast has played a transformative role in shaping the growth, success and national reputation of our athletic programs. During her tenure, Life U Athletics added 14 varsity sports and grew to more than 600 student-athletes, becoming the largest collegiate athletic program in metro Atlanta. Most notably, Pendergast has built and maintained one of the most elite staffs within college athletics, all of whom contributed to the remarkable success of Life U and its student-athletes.
Under Pendergast's leadership and efforts of her staff, Life U established itself among the NAIA's premier athletic programs, earning top-15 finishes in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings in each of the past five years, including a program-best seventh-place finish in 2023 and top-10 finishes in both 2025 and 2026. Life U teams captured five NAIA national championships over the past five years, while more than 50 student-athletes earned individual national titles. The University's rugby programs also continued their tradition of excellence, securing multiple national championships and further strengthening Life U's reputation on the national stage.
Equally important, Pendergast championed academic achievement and a meaningful student-athlete experience. Under her leadership, student-athletes reached record levels of academic success, including record department GPAs and graduates.
In 2026, Pendergast assumed the additional role of Executive Advisor for Strategic Priorities, supporting institution-wide initiatives and demonstrating her commitment to the University's continued growth and success.
Her influence extended well beyond campus through leadership roles across collegiate athletics, including service on the NAIA National Administrative Council Executive Committee and National Collegiate Rugby. Her contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the 2023 Southern States Athletic Director of the Year Award, the 2024 Women Leaders in Sports Nike NAIA Executive of the Year Award, and recognition as a 2024 Atlanta Business Chronicle Women of Influence honoree.
On behalf of the Life U community, we extend our sincere gratitude to Pendergast for her nearly decade of service, leadership, and dedication to our student-athletes, coaches, and University. Her impact will be felt for years to come.
To ensure a smooth transition, Jeff Munn will serve as Life U's Interim Athletic Director, effective September 5, 2026.
