Mary Jo Warner Retires After More Than Three Decades

A lot has changed at the George Washington University and in its athletics program since 1977. In the 37 years that followed, the number of varsity teams increased from 16 to 23, and its various teams reached the NCAA tournament 53 times. The Charles E. Smith Center underwent extensive renovations, a state-of-the-art student health and wellness center was built and intramural and wellness programs for students expanded, athletic fields were created on the Mount Vernon Campus and elsewhere, and student-athlete academic support programs were strengthened.?

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One constant during this era of change has been Mary Jo Warner, who retired July 15 after 37 years of service.

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Ms. Warner has held a variety of positions in athletics, most recently serving as the senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator. At one time or another, Ms. Warner oversaw 20 of the university's varsity sports (men's and women's); supervised 17 head coaches and their assistants; managed the senior staff and programming of the Lerner Health & Wellness Center, the Sports Information Group of the Athletics Communications Department, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and the department’s Educational Support Services program; and served on the Atlantic 10 Conference Administrative Committee, including as co-chair of the A-10 Men's Tennis Committee. ?

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“Mary Jo’s commitment to the department's goals of academic and athletic excellence, coupled with her dedication to and connection with student-athletes, coaches, staff, university officials and alumni were evident to me from the start,” said Provost Steven Lerman. “And that commitment has been reflected in a number of honors and awards she has received from groups internal and external to the university.” The athletics program began reporting to the Office of the Provost in 2010.?

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“I have had the honor and privilege of working at this fine institution for most of my professional career. I have enjoyed interacting with countless student-athletes, administrators, coaches and staff who strive for excellence on and off the athletic fields,” Ms. Warner said. “I am proud of the tremendous growth, advancement and accomplishments of GW Athletics and Recreation and hope I have provided positive leadership and made a lasting impact on our programs and on the lives of our student-athletes.” ?

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