State Fair Community College

Darren Pannier enters his 24th year as the Athletic Director at State Fair Community College. He is also the Coordinator of the Physical Education program and Director of the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center. 

He was instrumental in adding four additional sports to the athletic department. Women’s soccer, softball, and the restart of men’s soccer and baseball began competition during the 2016-2017 school year. 

Pannier has added men and women’s cross country, men and women’s track and field, clay target shooting, and eports, all of which began competition during the 2021-2022 school year. He also helped to add women’s golf which will begin competition during the 2023-2024 school year.

Pannier received the George E. Killian Award of Excellence from the NJCAA’s National Office Staff in 2017. The award recognizes individuals dedicated to the organization’s ideals of volunteerism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence.

Pannier ended his five-year tenure as head basketball coach of the Lady Roadrunners in 2009-10 with a career record of 108-48. During his time as head coach, Pannier coached many student-athletes who received All-American status, both academically and athletically. His teams were ranked in the NJCAA Poll in four of his five seasons.

Pannier also spent seven years as an assistant for the Lady Roadrunners. In addition, he served as the first head coach for the volleyball program at SFCC.

Pannier is heavily involved with the National Junior College Athletic Association, on both the regional and national levels. He is a member of the NJCAA Board of Regents, where he represents Region 16. He serves on various NJCAA committees. He also serves as the vice-president of the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference and serves on other committees within the conference.

Pannier is a member of the Board of Directors for the West Central Missouri Boys and Girls Club. He is the President of the Board of Directors for the Sedalia Country Club. He serves on a variety of committees for the Sedalia School District Foundation. Annually, Pannier presents the Darla Pannier Most Valuable Player award for the women's contest at the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game. 

Pannier earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Central Methodist College in 1990. He earned his master's degree in Education Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1996.