Nikki Fennern

Nikki Fennern is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at Judson University, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President overseeing adult, online, graduate, and traditional enrollment; financial aid; marketing; and intercollegiate athletics. With over 20 years of leadership in higher education, her career spans roles as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Iowa Wesleyan University and Athletic Director at Saint Mary’s University.

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Saint Mary’s University
• Master’s in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Athletic Administration, South Dakota State University
• Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, University of Wisconsin–River Falls

Her research and administrative focus centers on strategic enrollment growth, campus-wide corporate partnerships, and integrating athletics into institutional culture. She led initiatives to internalize online program operations and developed recruitment strategies that exceeded budgetary goals while maintaining discount rate targets.

Dr. Fennern’s athletic leadership achievements include founding men’s and women’s wrestling programs, transitioning NCAA Division III to NAIA, and constructing a multi-use athletic facility. Her awards highlight her contributions to diversity and leadership in collegiate sports.

• 2016 NCAA Division III Administrator of the Year
• 2018 Breaking Barriers Award for athletic leadership
• 2022 Title IX Trailblazer recognition
• Head softball coach with a 142-59 record and national tournament success