NACDA names Stricklin AD of the Year
Mississippi State Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin was named a winner of the 2015-16 Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year Award last Wednesday [March 2] by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities. Stricklin will officially receive the honor on June 15 at NACDA's 51st Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas.
“Scott Stricklin’s leadership of Mississippi State University’s athletics has been marked not only by unprecedented growth and success in many sports, but by significant and steady improvement and sophistication in our facilities and our game day experiences,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “Scott is certainly most deserving of this recognition by NACDA and I offer my sincere congratulations to him and his wonderful family.”
Stricklin, 45, has spearheaded MSU Athletics to unprecedented heights from record fundraising, Bulldog Club memberships and fan attendance to nearly $140 million invested in facility projects since he took office in May 2010. Despite one of the smallest athletic budgets in the Southeastern Conference, MSU Athletics is one of a handful nationally that receives no institutional funding, yet continues to be highly-efficient and financially successful.
“The honor is due to MSU's tremendous students, coaches, staff, alumni and fans for working together and creating a consistent level of success that has been recognized nationally by others,” Stricklin said. “Mississippi State is an incredibly fun place to be because there are so many talented people who are passionate about this university and refuse to let our challenges prevent us from achieving greatness.”
Among the criteria for the award’s selection were service as an AD for a minimum of five years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishments.
Stricklin is the first MSU athletic director to receive the honor and one of five current Southeastern Conference ADs who have been a recipient in the award’s 17-year history.
Learn more about Mississippi State athletics at HailState.com.
