April 8-12, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio |
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Sunday marked day four of the 69th Annual NAIA National Convention, at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The annual event serves as the nearly 300 member college sports organization's most important gathering. The five-day event is an opportunity for NAIA members, councils and committees to discuss new legislation, honor award recipients and plan for the future.
Council of Presidents
Jim Carr, NAIA President and Chief Executive Officer, provided an update on the NAIA strategic plan, with a particular focus on presidential leadership, conduct in competition, the NAIA Eligibility Center and the integrated marketing plan.
The council approved the recommendations of the slate of directors of the NAIA Foundation and the request to add an ADA Ex-Officio Representative to serve on the council.
Reports from the COP task force to review membership criteria was reviewed and discussed, with plans to receive the task force's final recommendations this coming September. The Council of Presidents approved six new NAIA members, effective July 1, 2010, bringing to ten the total number of new members approved during the current academic year. Total membership now stands at 296. Newly elected members are: AIB College of Business (Iowa); La Sierra University (Calif.); Lourdes College (Ohio); Marymount College (Calif.); Roosevelt University (Ill.); Southwestern Christian University (Okla.).
Finally, the council accepted detailed reports from the Audit Review Committee and Committee on the NAIA Eligibility Center.
The NAIA Executive Committee, acting on behalf of the COP, approved the association budget for the 2010-2011 year, which includes allocation of funds for implementation of the integrated marketing plan, consistent with the overall NAIA strategic plan.
NAIA Awards Banquet
Approximately 400 convention attendees gathered for the NAIA Awards Banquet on Sunday evening. The event was sponsored by Mutual of Omaha. Dr. Dene Thomas, Chair of the NAIA Council of Presidents, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
The following individuals were honored:
Jim Abbott, Oklahoma City University
Athletics Director of the Year
"Jim's drive and willingness to be a part of the process to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics at the institution, conference and national level is impressive and appreciated. On behalf of the NAIA and the more than 60,000 student-athletes that compete under the NAIA banner, I congratulate Jim on this tremendous honor."
- Jim Carr, President and CEO, NAIA
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Stan Harrison, Tennessee Wesleyan College
Charles Morris Award
"Much like Charles Morris, who I knew well, Stan lives, eats and breaths NAIA. His passion for the principles and tenets established by our organization are exemplified by his model set on our campus for Champions of Character."
- Dr. Stephen Condon, President, Tennessee Wesleyan College
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Joyce Pigge, Bethany College (Kan.)
Wally Schwartz Award
"Joyce truly sets the standard for this important position in intercollegiate athletics. She is a champion of the student-athlete and especially a champion for equity in athletics."
- Dr. Edward F. Leonard III, President, Bethany College
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Mark Campbell, Union University (Tenn.)
Coach of Character Award
"Character coaching is not just a sometime thing with Mark Campbell but is a way of life. Mark stresses the concepts that are represented in the Champions of Character five core values from the first day his student-athletes arrive on campus until the day they graduate."
- E.L. Hutton, Commissioner, TranSouth Athletic Conference
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Jim Davies, California Pacific Conference
NAIA Hall of Fame
"The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of student-athletes, coaches, athletics administrators and longtime NAIA supporters. Jim has made a considerable impact on intercollegiate athletics. I applaud his achievements and congratulate him on this tremendous honor."
- Jim Carr, President and CEO, NAIA
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Micah Johnson, Central Christian College (Kan.)
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award
"Micah chooses to live a life of character simply because it is the right thing to do. He looked around and saw the need. He heard the call and responded. He has stepped up to the plate and taken on the responsibility of leadership, even though society would tell him to sit back and enjoy. This is what makes Micah unique and distinctive. Micah is an ordinary person doing extra-ordinary things."
- Leonard Davara, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Central Christian College
To learn more about this award and award recipient click here.
Gender Equity Committee
The Gender Equity Committee met on Sunday afternoon for its annual meeting. The following items were discussed: 1) plans for an NAIA Career Symposium at the 2011 convention; 2) create a resource notebook for a mentor/mentee program.
The committee welcomed new members Sister Diane Steele (University of Saint Mary), Carol Humphrey (Oklahoma Baptist University) and Cindy Fotti (Columbia College).
Agenda highlights for Monday, April 12
Headquarters open at 7 a.m.
Presidents Forum Conference Commissioners Breakfast Athletics Directors Association Workshop
Delegate Registration (opens at 10:30 a.m. / Caprice) General Session IV: 69th Annual Business Meeting (11:30 a.m. / Pavilion Ballroom)
...for the complete schedule and meeting times click here. |
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HELPFUL LINKS
Convention Schedule
CONVENTION
TRACKS
What to do and where to go in Cincinnati... (click here)
CINCINNATI WEATHER
EXHIBIT HALL OPENS ON SATURDAY
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