Jason Lener '93 returned to his alma mater in August 2021 as the Director of Athletics, bringing more than two decades of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration at the Division I level. He previously served as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Associate Athletic Director at Illinois, Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at Miami (Ohio), and Assistant Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer at Pitt. He is Westminster's sixth Director of Athletics.
Since returning to New Wilmington, Lener has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing the overall student-athlete experience while continuing Westminster's tradition of academic and athletic success. Under his leadership, the Department of Athletics has expanded resources and invested in facilities designed to better serve Titans across the department. Recent projects include significant renovations to the Westminster Natatorium and Buzz Ridl Gymnasium, including improvements to the natatorium's pool, lighting and spectator areas, and the replacement of the original 73-year-old floor on Ron Galbreath Court.
Lener has also prioritized resources that support the development of the whole student-athlete. The Fuel Lounge, located inside the Chet and Hilda Claire Student-Athlete Lounge, was introduced to provide Titans with convenient nutritional and recovery options before and after workouts and practices. The initiative reflects Lener's commitment to providing student-athletes with resources that support their physical well-being while balancing the rigorous demands of academics and athletics at Westminster.
As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, Lener has positioned Westminster to embrace new opportunities for its student-athletes. The Department of Athletics partnered with Opendorse in 2025, providing Titans with access to a branded Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) marketplace, NIL education, personal-brand development resources and opportunities to connect with brands and fans. The partnership builds upon Westminster's commitment to helping student-athletes understand and maximize their NIL opportunities while preparing them for life beyond intercollegiate athletics.
Lener's leadership is grounded in a commitment to Westminster's people, tradition and future. His experience at some of the nation's largest Division I programs, combined with his personal connection to the College and understanding of the student-athlete experience, has helped shape a vision for Titan Athletics that emphasizes competitive excellence, academic achievement, personal development and an exceptional overall student-athlete experience. Since his return, Lener has worked closely with coaches, staff, alumni and supporters to strengthen the department and create opportunities that position Westminster athletics for continued growth and success.
During his first year as the College's Director of Athletics the men's athletic program won the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) All-Sports Trophy while the women's athletic program finished as the runner-up. It was the first All-Sports Trophy for the men since 2002-03. Titan athletic programs combined for six PAC titles in 2021-22 (women's volleyball, football, men's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field, men's golf, women's golf), which tied for the second-most in school history. Six programs (women's soccer, men's swimming and diving, women's basketball, women's outdoor track and field, baseball, softball) finished as runners-up in the league.Â
A four-year letterwinner at Westminster, Lener played quarterback under legendary head coaches Joe Fusco and Gene Nicholson. Westminster compiled a 38-9 record during his playing career and advanced to the NAIA Division II Championship Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a pair of national runner-up finishes. Lener led the Titans in passing in 1991 before beginning his professional career in athletics administration and coaching. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Westminster and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in sports administration from Robert Morris.
Lener completed a four-year run on the multi-divisional NCAA Football Rules Committee in August 2026. He will chair the PAC's Athletic Administrators Council during the 2026-27 academic year. In addition, Lener has served as the administrative liaison for numerous bowl games and NCAA championships. He also participated in the Division I Athletic Director Institute and was a member of the B1G Conference Administrative Council.
Jason and his wife, Jodi (Boston) '92, have three children; daughters, McKinley and Callan, and son, Cole.Â
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