Meredith Jenkins, Fresno State's deputy director of Athletics since 2018, passed away Nov. 13. A celebration of life was held on Nov. 19 at Bulldog Stadium.

Her legacy as a nationally-recognized trailblazer includes critical leadership, which improved the infrastructure and foundation within Fresno State Athletics, and those processes provided essential support for the Bulldogs' championship experiences.

"As athletic director, I can say there may be no greater reason for the comprehensive success of our department than the contributions of our Deputy Athletic Director Meredith Jenkins," said Director of Athletics Terry Tumey. "Meredith championed our efforts in creating a grander, more robust offering in our service of students and our entire greater Valley community. She continuously strived to achieve the greatness she thought we deserved here at Fresno State. We are all blessed to have been a part of Meredith's journey."

As deputy athletic director, Jenkins had oversight and managerial responsibility for the internal units, while also coordinating University governance. She led efforts to improve internal policies and procedures in budgeting and financial reporting, gender equity and Title IX compliance, strategic planning and human resources, and NCAA and Mountain West governance. Additionally, Jenkins played a vital role in supporting and holistically preparing every Bulldog student-athlete for long-term success.

Earlier this year, Jenkins was honored by the Auburn Athletics Department and City of Auburn for her trailblazing career.

On July 29, 2021, the City of Auburn declared it "Meredith H. Jenkins Day" and she received a key to the city. On the same day, Auburn Athletics named the executive and senior associate athletics directors office suite, which is located in the Auburn Athletics Complex, in her honor as the "The Meredith H. Jenkins Office Suite."

Jenkins, who worked at Auburn University for 24 years, was the first woman to oversee an athletics communications department and to serve as the primary football contact at a SEC institution. At the time, she was one of just four women serving as the primary football contact for a Division I school.

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