MALIBU, Calif. - Pepperdine University has announced Seaver College Professor Dr. Adam Pennell as the University's Faculty Athletics Representative effective immediately.
 
Pennell, Associate and tenured professor of Sports Medicine, received his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 2019 and arrived at Pepperdine shortly thereafter. Dr. Pennell's research concerns health, fitness, and motor skill outcomes in individuals with and without disabilities.
 
"I am honored to become the newest Faculty Athletics Representative for Pepperdine and am beyond thankful towards President Jim Gash, Senior VP Tim Perrin, and Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner for their belief in me," noted Pennell.

A former collegiate soccer athlete, club soccer coach, intern with the MLS's Columbus Crew, and soccer referee, Dr. Pennell has a rich and holistic understanding of sport as well as the student-athlete experience.
 
As a scholar, he has amassed 36 peer-reviewed publications and over 675 citations to date. Including internal and external sources, Dr. Pennell has been awarded over $1,000,000 in funding. 

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Pennell as our new Faculty Athletics Representative," said Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner. "His commitment to academic excellence and student-athlete well-being aligns perfectly with the values of our athletic department. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to strengthen our student's athletic and academic experience."
 
This past academic year, Pennell helped spearhead a groundbreaking three-year, $900,000 Maternal & Child Health Bureau grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Through partnerships with school districts nationwide, the aim of the grant will be to develop standardized physical fitness testing protocols for K-12 students on the autism spectrum.
 
"I am most thankful for the previous FAR, Dr. Alicia Jessop. Dr. Jessop is a sports industry leader, as well as a tremendous advocate for athletes, who has left an indelible mark on the Pepperdine FAR role," added Pennell. "With the passing of the FAR torch, I pray that the Lord will enable me to fill at least a fraction of Dr. Jessop's legacy."

ABOUT PEPPERDINE ATHLETICS
Pepperdine University boasts one of the most successful athletic programs in the country for a school of its size. The Waves have claimed 10 NCAA Division I team championships and 26 total team or individual national championships in their history. Located in scenic Malibu, California, the university overlooks a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.