National Awards Day - 2023 Winners
Honorees announced for NAIA National Awards Day
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its honorees in addition to just over 2,200 NAIA Scholar Teams as a part of its annual NAIA National Awards Day on September 15. The day recognizes the association's highest individual honors and achievements of NAIA student-athletes, administrators and coaches. Additionally, the association announced the nine-member class of the 2022-23 NAIA Hall of Fame.
2022-23 NAIA National Award Winners:
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award – Ady Dwight, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.); Peter Shippy, Dordt (Iowa)
Named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary who served the association for 26 years, the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award has been annually presented since 1967 to a male and female junior student-athlete in any sport who has excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship.
Ady Dwight of Dakota Wesleyan University is the 2023 A.O.Duer Award winner. From Langford, South Dakota, Ady is a middle blocker for DWU’s women’s volleyball program and a nursing major.
Ady’s athletic accomplishments include: Two-time Academic All-American, three-time NAIA All-American (2x First Team), three-time All-GPAC First Team honoree, American Volleyball Coaches Association West Central Attacker of the Year, No. 3 nationally in 2022 for total kills and No. 2 in the nation in 2022 in kills per set.
Ady shows compassion to her peers, patients, family members and clinical staff as she prepares for a career in nursing. Ady volunteers in numerous community service projects, including working countless youth volleyball camps as a counselor, the Glass Slipper organization, Angel Tree organization, Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Special Olympics, and South Dakota REHPS rural healthcare initiative. In an exceptional example of servant leadership, Ady works for a memory care unit at Edgewood Healthcare in Mitchell, South Dakota. Anyone who has ever had a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s and memory loss certainly understands the type of caring and compassionate person it takes to work in that setting.
From the first day of classes, Ady has set herself apart as a student, one that demonstrates excellence in the classroom, compassion for others, and a desire to give to the community. In all of these contexts, Ady approaches situations with composure and an eager mind that seeks to learn and grow.
Peter Shippy of Dordt University is the 2023 A.O.Duer Award winner. Men’s Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track and Field student athlete from Sioux Center, Iowa. Peter holds a GPA of 3.992 as a Computer Science major and Entrepreneurship minor.
Peter’s contributions and key role in the tremendous success the Men’s Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track teams have enjoyed. One of Peter’s strongest characteristics is perseverance, and he never wavered from working at being a better runner. Peter has become one of the strongest distance running performers in our program. This year, he achieved the rare feat of being an All American in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field.
Peter Shippy exemplifies the attributes of “scholarship, character, and citizenship” that the A.O. Duer scholarship seeks to recognize. He is an excellent student and approaches his studies in the same focused manner that he does athletics. He leads in a quiet yet effective way. He has been instrumental in the development of a gaming program at Dordt. He currently has a leadership role in the Dordt Gaming Guild. Peter’s unassuming and consistent approach to life results in respect from teammates and classmates. His character is of the highest level.
Peter Shippy is an individual who sets high standards for himself. In the process, he elevates those around him. His athletic achievements are some of the most significant in the history of the track and field and cross country programs at Dordt University.
Emil S. Liston Award – Melissa Akullu, Vanguard (Calif.); Ezra McKenna, Mobile (Ala.)
The Emil S. Liston award recognizes both academic and athletic excellence by junior student-athletes in men’s and women’s basketball. The scholarship is named in honor of the NAIA’s first executive secretary who was also a prime mover behind the men’s basketball tournament. This award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men’s and one junior women’s basketball student-athlete.
Melissa Akullu from Vanguard University is the 2023 Female Liston Award winner. A junior from Kampala, Uganda, Melissa holds a 3.77 GPA majoring in Communications.
Melissa Akullu is a recognized student leader and contributor to campus life. An NAIA First Team All-American for women’s basketball, Akullu leads the Golden State Athletics Conference (GSAC) in both boards and field goal percentage. She has earned NAIA National Player of the Week, GSAC Player of the Week four times, as well as GSAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Akullu has excelled in the classroom and is a vibrant presence in campus life. As a Communication major, she holds a 3.77 accumulative GPA and has been named NAIA and GSAC Scholar-Athlete for the second time in her career. She serves as a student worker in the Facilities Department, interacting regularly with administration, faculty, and staff. She has been a featured speaker for booster and donor events, representing the best Vanguard University has to offer. She is beloved and respected by employees and her fellow students, and is recognized as a leader and positive influence throughout the university.
Melissa Akullu not only represents the best of Vanguard Athletics and Vanguard University—she will represent her native Uganda this summer at the African Games, organized by the African Union with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.
Ezra McKenna from the University of Mobile is the 2023 Male Liston Award winner. A junior from Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Ezra holds a 3.81 GPA and majors in Business Administration and Finance.
Ezra's academic accomplishments and drive in the classroom is exemplary. With a grade point average of 3.8, he consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of accounting and business concepts and an exceptional ability to apply them to real-world problems. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Ezra was named to the University of Mobile Dean’s list for fall semester 2022 and the President’s list for the 2023 spring semester. This only confirms his commitment to excellence and work ethic in the classroom.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ezra's athletic performance on the basketball court is truly exceptional. His recognition as the three-time Southern States Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player-of-the-Week, as well as his selection to the 2022-23 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) First Team All-Conference and the 2022-23 NAIA Men's Basketball All-American Team as an Honorable Mention, are a testament to his exceptional skills, dedication, and impact on the team's success.
Beyond his academic and athletic achievements, Ezra embodies exemplary character, citizenship, and leadership qualities. His commitment to community service and engagement showcases his selflessness, compassion, and desire to make a positive impact in society. His dedication to serving others, both on and off the court, exemplifies his outstanding character and commitment to being a responsible and engaged citizen.
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character® Award – Faith Hunt, Vanguard (Calif.)
Named in honor of Dr. LeRoy Walker, former NAIA president and president emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee, this award recognizes a junior or senior student-athlete who displays the NAIA Champions of Character Five Core Values, demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and models excellence in campus and community leadership.
Vanguard University student-athlete Faith Hunt has been named the 2022-23 Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award Winner.
Hunt, a dual-sport athlete competing in both soccer and track and field, is a kinesiology major sporting a 3.98 GPA. Hunt shares her voice on campus as a captain of the soccer team, president of the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and a representative to the conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Team.
Hunt exhibits the NAIA core character values through her community service and campus contributions. She volunteered for over 150 hours through the National Charity League and has helped feed the elderly through Meals on Wheels. Hunt finds additional ways to support her community like serving with a local church as a worship leader, and volunteering in Vanguard’s athletic training room as she pursues her career goal of becoming an athletic trainer.
In track and field, Hunt earned 2022 and 2023 NAIA Scholar-Athlete accolades, and back-to-back Golden State Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete recognition in 2022 and 2023. Faith also earned Vanguard’s Track & Field Champion of Character award for 2023, and the Golden State Athletic Conference “Cliff Hamlow” Champion of Character award for 2023.
Hunt’s track coach Bryan Wilkins had this to say about Hunt: “Faith is the epitome of a servant leader. The way she navigates relationships, leadership, tough conversations, and shares her time with such grace and humility has earned the respect of her teammates, classmates, student-athletes, staff, and faculty.” Professor Emeritus and Athletic Council Member Barbi Rouse agreed, stating: “Faith is the kind of athlete every coach desires.”
NAIA-ATA Al Ortolani Athletic Training Scholarship – Isabella Galvez-Ortiz, Sterling (Kan.)
Named in honor of the late Al Ortolani, head athletic trainer at Pittsburg State University from 1955 to 1995 and is awarded to NAIA students who are pursuing an entry-level degree in athletic training.
Sterling College graduate student Isabella Galvez-Ortiz is the recipient of the 2022-23 NAIA-ATA Al Ortolani Athletic Training Scholarship.
Galvez-Ortiz is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Athletic Training, boasting a 4.0 cumulative GPA. In addition to excelling in her coursework, pursuing practicum hours and working to fund her education, Galvez-Ortiz co-chairs the Kansas Athletic Trainers Society Student Leadership Committee.
Galvez-Ortiz stands out from other students in the passion that motivates her, stating “I learned at a young age that serving people was my calling.” Growing up the daughter of missionaries in west Africa, Galvez-Ortiz suffered an injury for which she was unable to receive proper treatment at the time. Following these experiences, she is driven to help people recover both physically and emotionally when facing an injury.
One of her supervising athletic trainers describes her as “maybe the hardest working student I have ever had.” Another supervisor elaborated, stating “her clinical skills are far beyond what is expected of a student at her level. But more importantly, she is one of the most genuine people on this planet. Isa has mastered the art of maintaining excellent academic achievement and development of clinical skills, all while working to support herself and pay her own way through school. If I could, I would have 100 more Isa’s in my classes.”
Galvez-Ortiz’ long-term professional goals include working in the athletic training field for a professional soccer team or in collegiate soccer. Based on her own experience, she is passionate to advocate for international students, and share the profession of athletic training on missions or outreach opportunities in the future.
2022-23 Administrators
NAIA Coach of Character Award – Jessica Pistole, Southern Oregon, Softball
The NAIA Coach of Character Award is presented annually to an NAIA head coach who is dedicated to teaching character through sport.
Jessica Pistole, head softball coach at Southern Oregon University (SOU) has been selected as this year’s NAIA Coach of Character.
Coach Pistole has been SOU’s head coach for eight years, building one of the best softball teams in the country during that time with seven World Series appearances and three national championships. Remarkably, Pistole coached success on the field as well as off the field, boasting achievements like a team 3.5 GPA and over 250 community service hours annually through campus and community outreach opportunities.
While being a fierce competitor, Coach Pistole leads by example in displaying an unwavering commitment to compassion and respect. Her interactions with officials epitomize sportsmanship and serve as a model for all coaches. Even in the heat of championship play, Coach Pistole's team showed up to support their Cascade conference rivals, went out of their way to thank event staff for their efforts, helped the grounds crew pull the tarp during a rain-out, and welcomed young girls into the dugout to sign balls during the championship game.
Coach Pistole’s impact extends beyond her softball expertise. She fosters character development through challenges like the “Ruck” (a 15-mile overnight hike to the top of Mt. Ashland to demonstrate teamwork and overcoming self-doubt) and allowing teammates to award “Hawks” logos to one another in situations when character values are exemplified. Pistole also serves as the advisor for SOU's Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.
In her coaching journey, Coach Pistole exemplifies the true essence of respect and integrity, imparting life lessons beyond the realm of sports. A rival coach within the conference noted Pistole’s motivation, honesty, respect for others, and the positive learning environment she creates, stating “Occasionally you come across a person that you know is going to be successful regardless of the task. Jessica is that person.”
Athletics Director of the Year – Troy Plummer, Grand View (Iowa)
Grand View University’s Troy Plummer has been selected as the NAIA Athletics Director of the Year for 2022-23 for his leadership of the institution’s athletics department and achievements at a national level.
Plummer serves as the Vice President for Athletics and a member of the university’s Strategic Leadership Team, Plummer providing leadership to 760 student-athletes in 26 sports for Grand View University.
Under Plummer’s leadership, the Vikings enjoyed enormous success in the 2022-23 academic year, finishing 11th in the Learfield Directors Cup and winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Cup for the third consecutive year. This year the Vikings men’s wrestling team was crowned national champions, boasting three individual national champions, and securing their 11th team national championship in 12 years. A stunning 50 Viking athletes earned the honor of being named All-Americans this year. In 2022-23, the Vikings had 24 NAIA Scholar Teams and 180 individual NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athletes.
Plummer has worked for the Vikings for over 25 years, leading the athletics department since 2007. During that tenure, the department has added 10 sports and nearly tripled the number of student-athletes it serves. Accordingly, the department has added 48 full-time athletic department staff members and fundraised over $5 million in facility upgrades.
In addition to his leadership on campus, Plummer serves on the Board of Governors for the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Nationally, he is a member of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, the NAIA National Administrative Council and Championship Subcommittee, is the NAIA liaison for Men’s Volleyball and is on the oversight committee for the NAIA Men’s Volleyball ratings.
For his leadership, Plummer has been named the conference Athletic Director of the Year eight times, and twice been named the NACDA Under Armour NAIA Athletic Director of the Year (2014 and 2017).
Charles Morris Administrator of the Year – Brittney Kellar, OUAZ (Ariz.)
Brittney Kellar has been selected as the NAIA Charles Morris Administrator of the Year for 2022-23 for her leadership, commitment and passion for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athletes she serves. This honor, which was created in memory of the former NAIA Associate Executive Director Charles Morris, recognizes an NAIA member who has made significant contributions as an administrator of intercollegiate athletics, while also exemplifying the loyalty and enthusiasm that Morris had for the association.
As the assistant athletic director at OUAZ for six years, Kellar not only helped build the entire athletics department from scratch but also showcased an extraordinary aptitude for managing diverse responsibilities. Kellar’s responsibilities included sport oversight, budget oversight, ongoing business operations, event promotions, ticket sales, primary event management duties, fundraising, collaboration with the city and local school district, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and senior woman leader. As campus president Dr. Dennis Tyner put it “Since she is so well-respected throughout our entire institution, Brittney is often one of the first people from campus to be selected by our university chancellor whenever he creates a university-wide committee to review an institutional problem.”
In reflecting on his tenure throughout higher education, Ottawa University Chancellor Dr. William Tsutsui said “I have come to recognize (and cherish) real leadership talent and potential among athletics staff members. Brittney has something special, born of character and experience and passion and focus and compassion and a strong work ethic… she is a true believer, not just in our university and the work of our athletic department, but in the NAIA and all that we do.”
In recognition of these contributions, Kellar was named the Golden State Athletic Conference Administrator of the Year in both 2021 and 2023. Kellar is now at Southeastern University as the Associate Director of Athletics.
Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year – Bryce Bernard, Corban (Ore.)
This illustrious award, initiated in honor of past NAIA Vice President of Legislative Services and NAIA Hall of Famer Wally Schwartz, recognizes a Faculty Athletics Representative who exemplifies the loyalty, enthusiasm, and honesty Schwartz showed on behalf of the NAIA.
Dr. Bryce Bernard of Corban University is the 2023 winner of the Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the year. Dr. Bernard continues to put forth dedicated service and guidance on the many committees he serves both on campus and at the national NAIA level. Dr. Bernard is concluding his 10th year on the National Eligibility Committee where he has served as chair for the committee since 2021. In addition to his leadership with the NEC, Dr. Bernard has served on four other national task forces and committees as well as served the Cascade Conference as conference FAR and served on the eligibility committee.
Many who work with Dr. Bernard espouse his dedication to the NAIA, both on the campus level and nationally. Dr. Bernard aims to help all NAIA students develop as champions of character and has been a visionary in reviewing bylaws that can be amended to support current and future NAIA student-athletes.
Bryce’s colleagues say he has a gift for always answering questions with incredible grace and kindness and is always willing to help. For his long-term service as FAR and contributions to The Cascade Conference and national association, we recognize Dr. Bryce Bernard with the Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award.
Sports Information Director of the Year – Alisha Alexander, Lewis-Clark State (Idaho)
The NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year is awarded annually to one SID based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of athletics communication, sports information, strategic communication and service to the NAIA.
The 2023 recipient of the NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year is Alisha Alexander of Lewis-Clark State (Idaho). A graduate of Concordia University in Irvine, Calif., Alexander has quickly risen to the top in her profession. Since her arrival at LC State, Alexander has been no stranger to the big stage, as she has hosted several conference championships, NAIA National Championship Opening Round and First & Second Round tournaments, along with her role in both the planning and execution of the Avista NAIA World Series for the past five years.
In addition to her role in the production of the LC Awards Program (the LCSPY’s), she takes a large planning role in all fundraising efforts for Warrior Athletics. In 2022, Alexander was elected to the NAIA-SIDA Executive Board, where she has taken a large role in Continuing Education Programming. Her work has also led her to be named to the inaugural class of the College Sports Communicators’ 30 Under 30 Honors.
“Ms. Alisha Alexander is a quality person and professional, said Lewis-Clark State Director of Athletics, Brooke Henze. “She works hard, works smart and delivers results. She is compassionate and passionate about intercollegiate sport and the positive difference it can and does make in the lives of student-athletes. She's highly deserving of this recognition and award.”
Clarence "Ike" Pearson SID Award – Brad Cygan, NAIA
Given annually to a member of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA), the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award honors outstanding contributions to the profession. The award is named in honor of the former statistical crew chief of the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in Kansas City, Mo.
The 2023 recipient of the NAIA-SIDA Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award is Brad Cygan, Director of Athletics Communications at the NAIA National Office. His undergraduate was from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. and his graduate studies from Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Mo. He has guided the NAIA’s media and communications coverage of over 28 championship, invitational and emerging sport in the association. Brad’s impact on the profession of sports communicators is seen daily as he works with representatives from all 250 schools and 21 conferences. He has identified and facilitated the advancement of integral national partnerships including, PrestoSports, Reely, BoxOut Sports, to name a few, as well as the local media coverage of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championships hosted annually at Municipal Auditorium in Downtown Kansas City.
In addition to his duties to the National Office, Cygan was an influential member of NAIA-SIDA during his time at Missouri Baptist University. An inductee into the MBU Spartan Hall of Fame in 2022, he built the MBU Communications Department from the ground up culminating in being named the American Midwest Conference SID of the Year in 2015 and then earned the recognition of NAIA SID of the Year the same year. Active in NAIA-SIDA, he served on the board as an at-large representative in 2016 and was elected to the NAIA-SIDA Board of Directors in 2017. Cygan has served as a panelist and presenter at multiple College Sports Communicators (CSC, formerly CoSIDA) Conventions and picked-up first place in the NAIA-SIDA Publication Contest in the Season Preview category for his preview of MBU Baseball in 2013.
“Brad has always been a forward thinker and has pushed to find ways to promote his school, and now the NAIA,” said former Ike Pearson recipient and Assistant Commissioner for Championships and Information at the Appalachian Athletic Conference, Jay Stancil. “In the five years, he has been with the NAIA National Office, he has elevated the organization’s status and has shined a light on all the innovators we have in our ranks. The professionalism Brad brings is second-to-none and he is constantly and tirelessly working to enhance the NAIA’s reach.”
Athletic Trainer of the Year – Lauren Burish, Indiana South Bend
The NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year recognizes an athletic trainer at an NAIA institution who has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession in personal conduct and professional service to NAIA student-athletes.
Lauren Burish, assistant athletic trainer at Indiana University-South Bend has been selected as this year’s NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Burish is known for her aptitude for research, enabling her to lead several task forces for the Beacon Health System and the “go-to person” for IU-South Bend during the pandemic including service on the university's Restart Athletics Committee. She is a key contributor for the NAIA ATA Research & Education Committee, and the university’s Emergency Planning Committee. The NAIA National Administrative Council has enacted several healthcare-related policies that directly relied on Burish’s research. Burish also serves on the Indiana Athletic Trainers Association’s scholarship committee, creating opportunities to grow the profession.
In her “free time,” Burish is always willing to guest lecture in the College of Health Sciences. Burish was also solely responsible for developing an IU-South Bend Athletic Training Therapy Dog Program, putting in countless hours drafting policy and getting approvals, and undergoing training to become a handler. The program allows student-athletes to spend time with Tucker, a service dog, during treatments or injury and provides comfort during these difficult times.
Burish is known for her compassion, dedicated work ethic, and team player mentality. At IU-South Bend, student-athletes and coaches alike respect and trust her as she has proven to be a top-notch athletic trainer and even better human being. When there is voluntary work, she takes it on. When someone needs help, she is there. IU-South Bend head athletic trainer Kara Werner-Sanders said Burish is a "you say jump and she says how high, then she jumps higher” type of athletic trainer.
In recognition of her talent and achievements, Burish was awarded the prestigious NATA ICSM Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2021, an award given to one athletic trainer each year across all of college athletics.
2022-23 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees
The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the association. Nominees must have outstanding character and leadership ability, and be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and athletes. The Hall of Fame consists of an athlete and coach category for each sport and a category for general meritorious service.
Hall of Fame – Jim Abbott, Oklahoma City, Meritorious Service
Jim Abbott retired at the end of 2021 after a 19-year career as athletic director at Oklahoma City University. Under his guidance, OCU completed more than $17 million in athletic facility construction and renovation projects, including the Ann Lacy Softball Stadium, the Devon Boathouse, the Knight Strength and Conditioning Facility and the Jim Wade Athletic Office Suite. His tenure also saw new facilities and renovations for OCU baseball, soccer and wrestling.
The OCU athletic department experienced major growth during his tenure through the implementation of several new sports on campus. OCU added men’s and women’s cross country and track & field, volleyball, men’s and women’s rowing, men’s and women’s wrestling, competitive cheerleading, competitive pom/dance and STUNT under Abbott’s guidance.
Student-athletes thrived academically during Abbott’s tenure with an annual cumulative grade point average above a 3.0 each year. He created the first chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, a national student-athlete honor society, in the state of Oklahoma to recognize the academic achievements of OCU student-athletes.
Athletically, Oklahoma City won an astonishing 48 of their total 72 national championships under Abbott’s leadership. OCU captured three Learfield Sports Directors' Cup titles, and the department placed in the top 15 of the Director’s Cup rankings in all of Abbott’s 19 years as AD.
Abbott was named the 2008-09 and 2016-17 NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year. He was also recognized as the 2010, 2015 and 2018 Under Armour Central Region Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Sooner Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year on six occasions. Abbott gained induction into the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017-18, and was inducted into the NACDA Hall of Fame in June 2023.
He served as the OCU Champions of Character liaison to the NAIA and spearheaded the department's commitment to academic achievement, sportsmanship and community service. OCU student-athletes and coaches annually volunteered more than 3,000 hours to community service. Among these efforts is the department’s annual food drive for Skyline Urban Mission, an ongoing effort that has delivered more than 128,000 food items being donated since 2007.
Abbott is, or has been, a member of the NACDA Executive Council, NAIA Membership Committee, Jim Thorpe Association Executive Council, chairman of the NAIA Hall of Fame selection committee, treasurer of the Greater Oklahoma City Sports Consortium, NAIA Athletic Director’s Association Board of Directors and staff sponsor for the OCU Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle. He also previously served as president of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, vice chair of the NAIA Hall of Fame selection committee and as a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council.
Personally, he worked in athletic and higher education administration for over 30 years, including a previous stint at OCU as assistant athletic director from 1991-94. Abbott earned a master of science degree in sports administration from the University of Oklahoma and bachelor’s degrees in business administration and physical education from Huntingdon College (Ala.). Abbott and his wife Annetta have two adult children (Kyle and Katelyn).
Hall of Fame – Jeff Criswell, Graceland (Iowa), Football – Athlete
While at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, Jeff Criswell was a four year starter as an offensive lineman, twice named first team all conference, first team NAIA all-district and NAIA Honorable mention All-American his senior year. Additionally, he was selected as a team captain his senior year. Jeff came to Graceland as a tight end and was only introduced to the offensive line his freshman year because of injuries. He found his calling as at left tackle. Jeff was inducted in to the Graceland Hall of Fame in 2001 and is the only player to ever have his jersey number retired, number 69.
After the completion of his collegiate career he was drafted in the 10th round by the USFL Orlando organization. He eventually became a 12-year starter as a tackle and guard for the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a part of the AFC Western Conference Champions in 1995 and 1997. Jeff started 146 games and played in a total of 171 in his career.
Since his playing days concluded, Jeff has returned to his alma mater and has been instrumental in helping rebuild the football program as well as serving on many boards that support the athletic programs.
Hall of Fame – Liz Howerth, Indiana Wesleyan, Women's Basketball – Athlete
Liz Howerth is the all-time leading scorer in Indiana Wesleyan history with 2,658 points, second with 1,060 rebounds, and fifth with 470 assists. She led the Wildcats to the 2007 NAIA Division II National Championship with a perfect 38-0 record and was named the NAIA National Tournament MVP. Howerth earned NAIA All-American First Team honors three times (2005-2007) and was voted the MCC Player of the Year three times (2005-2007). She is a four-time NCCAA All-American and the NCCAA named her the 2007 Kathy Freese Player of the Year. Howerth holds various Indiana Wesleyan program records including Points in a Single Season (763), Most Field Goals Made in Career (1,051) and Single Season (302), Free Throws Made in Career (522), and Steals in a Career (313) and a Single Game (10).
Hall of Fame –Marek Jedrzejek, British Columbia, Cross Country, Track & Field – Coach
Marek Jedrzejek began his tenure at UBC in 1987, first as head coach of the cross country team before adding head coach of the track & field squad to his portfolio in 2001.
He developed both teams into perennial top 10 teams in the NAIA and had his best season ever in 2013-14, his penultimate year with the Thunderbirds before his retirement in 2015. In cross country the UBC women won its second straight NAIA Women's National Championship, while the men finished in eighth place. At the 2014 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the Thunderbirds combined for 12 medals (5 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze). The women finished third overall, their best finish ever at the time, while the men finished in fifth place.
Jedrzejek is a two-time NAIA women's cross country coach of the year (2012 & 2013).
In addition to their more recent NAIA success, Jedrzejek led the 'Birds to a CIS title in cross country in 1993 when he was named the coach of the year.
Jedrzejek has been involved at every level of international competition, coaching at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, acting as Canadian head coach at six Cross Country World Championships, three FISU Games, and is the former Athletics Canada off-track coordinator for cross country and road running.
His athletes have also had success at every level, winning medals at FISU, Commonwealth, and Pan-Am Games throughout his career. He has coached athletes to nine Canadian records, including Jeff Schiebler who still holds two Canadians records in the 5000m and 10000m and Liz Gleadle who owns the women's javelin mark. His athletes have won 33 national titles and he has coached 18 BC high school champions.
Hall of Fame – Mike Machholz, Missouri Valley, Men's Wrestling – Coach
Mike Machholz retired as head coach of the Missouri Valley men's wrestling program after more than 30 years following the 2021-22 season. He helped build the program after being dormant for nearly 20 years in 1991, and took over as head coach in 1994. During his tenure, the Missouri Valley men's wrestling program was one of the most successful in all of collegiate wrestling. His program won three NAIA National championships (1996, 1997,2003), was National runner-up an additional four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2005), won 11 regional team championships, produced 168 NAIA All-Americans, had 17 individual National champions, and 40 individual National finalists.
In addition to his team's accomplishments, Machholz was recognized as the NAIA Men's Wrestling Coach of the Year three times (1996, 1997, 2003) and was a ten-time Regional Coach of the Year. He was also named the National Rookie Coach of the Year by Amateur Wrestling News in 1995. He finished his coaching career with a 224-115-2 record in duals.
He was also instrumental in helping develop women's wrestling as a collegiate sport, as he was at the forefront of building women's wrestling by pioneering the first-ever women's collegiate wrestling program to offer scholarships in 1999. Machholz guidance helped the Missouri Valley women's wrestling program win one National championship (2001) and two National runner-up finishes (2000, 2002).
Machholz was also an influential member of the National Wrestling Coaches' Association during his tenure as head coach at Missouri Valley. He was the NWCA President from 1997-1999, then again from 2007-2009. He also served as a member of the executive committee for 25 years.
Machholz was promoted to Athletic Director at Missouri Valley on July 1, 2022. He served as Assistant Athletic Director from 2003-2013, Associate Athletic Director from 2013-2018, then Senior Associate Athletic Director from 2018 until his most recent promotion.
He received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Missouri Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum in the fall of 2022, which goes to those who have spent their life making a significant impact on wrestling, leaving behind a legacy that others admire. He was also inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame as an individual, and his program era of 1999-2005 was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame both in the spring of 2023.
Hall of Fame – Col. John Sullivan, Appalachian Athletic Conference, Meritorious Service
Over the past 25 years, John has faithfully devoted his service to collegiate athletics serving as a Director of Athletics, President of the AAC, and eventually being named the first commissioner of the AAC. He has been an advocate for the NAIA serving on several committees that have helped to strengthen the membership through legislation and membership growth. John has overseen the growth of the AAC membership as it is one of the largest conferences in the NAIA. John is a retired Colonel within the US Marine Corps who has a proven record of leadership.
Col. John Sullivan served as Commissioner of the Appalachian Athletic Conference from 2003 until 2022. John served on many different roles within the AAC and NAIA during his time of service, including service as Chair of the NAC. John Sullivan was an advocate of the NAIA Champions of Character program from the inception and stressed the importance to his conference and colleagues on the importance of character driven athletics. John was an avid supporter of the NAIA membership as he continuously searched for new members to join the NAIA and the AAC.
NAIA Region XII AD of the Year: 1999, 2003. NAIA Charles Morris Administrator of the Year 2010-11. National Administrative Council: Chair of NAC, Chair of Experience and Enhancement Sub-Committee. Conference Administration Committee. Marketing Committee. Letter of Intent Taskforce. National Coordinating Committee.
Prior to entering academia, he served for 28 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a helicopter gunship pilot in Vietnam, a fighter pilot, squadron commander, senior staff officer, base commander, and professor, retiring as a colonel.
He is married to Roberta Rice Sullivan and they have nine grandchildren. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California (BA-Political Science), Webster University (MA-Management) and the Naval War College.
Hall of Fame – Hazel Taylor, Wayland Baptist (Texas), Women's Basketball – Athlete
Hazel Taylor played three seasons for the Flying Queens at Wayland Baptist University. In her time there her teams qualified for the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament three times, making it as far as the third round twice. In her final year, 1999, she was named NAIA National Player of the Year and Rawlings Player of the year. She finished her decorated career as a three time NAIA First Team All-American, three time Kodak All-American and the Flying Queens all time career scoring average leader at 24.5 points per game. She is a member of the Wayland Baptist Hall of Honor and a 2014 Inductee in to the Wayland Baptist University Sports Hall of Fame.
After she was through playing collegiately, Taylor served as a student-assistant coach for three years at Wayland Baptist. In 2004 she played professionally for the Lubbock Hawks during their inaugural season in the National Women’s Basketball League.
Hall of Fame – Lori Thomas, Commissioner, Heart of America Athletic Conference, Meritorious Service
The Heart of America Athletic Conference heads into its 9th season under the leadership of Lori Thomas, who started her role as the league's new commissioner in July 2014.
Thomas started with the NAIA in 1998 as a Marketing Assistant and was quickly promoted through the ranks to her final position as Senior Vice President for Membership and Character Initiatives. Her responsibilities include leading efforts for membership recruitment and retention, achieving greater efficiencies and consistency in the delivery of the Champions of Character program, and advancing student-athlete experiences within national championships.
In addition, Thomas served as a senior executive while overseeing human resources for the national office staff. She supervised the NAIA championships department, which was responsible for 23 national championship events, emerging sports, site selection, host contracts, championship merchandising and apparel, coaches associations, councils, and committees. Thomas served as the national office liaison to the NAIA-National Administrative Council through 2011 and was a liaison to three NAIA conferences.
Prior to joining the NAIA, Thomas served as an assistant volleyball coach at Missouri State (1993-1996) and the University of Tulsa (1996-1998).
Born and raised in Kansas City, Thomas began her post-secondary education at Johnson County Community College. While at JCCC, she played volleyball and basketball and was recognized as a Junior College All-American in volleyball in 1988. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Business Management – emphasis in Human Resources from Idaho State University in 1992. She played volleyball for the Bengals for two years and ended her student-athlete experience with basketball in her 5th year.
Following graduation, Thomas moved to Kieldrecht, Belgium to play professional volleyball for a year before starting her coaching career. She was also a member of the Kansas City Lightning women's professional volleyball team in 1996.
In 2003, Thomas was inducted into both the National Junior College Athletics Association Hall of Fame and Johnson County Community College Hall of Fame for the sport of volleyball. She was inducted into Idaho State University's Hall of Fame the next year for volleyball and basketball. In 2015, Thomas was selected as the Women Leaders in College Sports "Administrator of the Year".
Thomas served on the NAIA National Administrative Council Executive Committee, the Olathe Chamber Board of Directors, and the CVB Advisory Board. She also is on the Board of Directors for the United States – International University Sports Federation since 2004 and is currently Vice President. Lori has attended the World University Games on 5 occasions, most recently in Naples, Italy for the 2019 World University Games as a USA staff member.
Thomas is a presenter for Proactive Coaching which works with coaches, student-athletes, parents, and business leaders to help intentionally create character-based team cultures. She has spent her personal time coaching club volleyball and basketball for both her daughters. She resides in Overland Park, Kansas with her husband, Alan, and their daughters, Ava and Sophie.
Hall of Fame – Derek Vogel, Westbrook College (Maine), Men's Basketball – Athlete
Westbrook College had created an athletic program only two years before Derek Vogel arrived on campus in 1992.
With Derek was a four year starter and three year captain and while on the team, Westbrook College won 102 games, with a winning percentage of 71%. Derek is the all time leading scorer in the history of Maine collegiate basketball with 3,050 points.
As a freshman he was named rookie of the year in the conference, NAIA District 5 and the State of Maine. He was all-conference each year at Westbrook, including Conference Player of the year two times and he was twice named an NAIA Division II All-American. In 1996 he led NAIA Division II basketball in scoring at 28.8 PPG. Upon graduation he set the records for career scoring and most field goals made in all of NAIA Division II.
Derek would go on to play professionally for nine years. His final four years he played in the top division in Germany.
Derek then went on to be a successful businessman and family man. He excels at everything he does because of his attitude and perseverance.
Conference Commissioners Association Champions of Character® Team Award
The Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) Champions of Character Team Award is given annually to one men’s and one women’s team for their exemplary character on the field, on campus and in the community. This year’s award winners are MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) baseball and Sterling College (Kan.) softball.
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) Men’s Baseball
The Pioneers dedication to the association’s five core values was showcased through their involvement in Havencroft Elementary's Hawks in Harmony Event. This initiative exemplified the core values of respect and responsibility, as MNU athletes organized and conducted engaging activities for young children and their families, fostering a sense of community while embodying the essence of the NAIA's character ideals.
Furthermore, an umpire at the 2023 Heart of America Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament recognized their outstanding behavior and recommended them for special recognition. Their conduct serves as an example of integrity and servant leadership.
Their involvement with elementary schools in Lewiston, Idaho, during the NAIA World Series not only highlighted their dedication to leadership but also showcased their dedication to education. By sharing the Five Core Values through interactive activities and personal engagement, the team demonstrated their commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.
Sterling (Kan.) Softball
The Sterling College softball team exemplified the NAIA’s five core values through outstanding commitment to character development and community service. The team consistently demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact through various community service activities.
These initiatives included community clean-up projects, multiple youth softball campus, an Elves for Santa community outreach program, and volunteering for WWLC events. Additionally, each individual player completed five hours of community service independent of these team activities.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized throughout the year at their respective NAIA National Championships, national coaches’ association meetings or at the NAIA National Convention. More detailed information about each inductee will be released prior to these ceremonies. View the complete list of NAIA Hall of Famers.
