Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Reginald Ruffin of Tuskegee named 2025–26 NACDA NCAA Division II Athletic Director of the Year for leadership and student-athlete development.
- He was the only representative from an HBCU among this year’s honorees.
- Ruffin credited the award to Tuskegee’s commitment, stakeholders' support and President Dr. Mark Brown's leadership.
Even when you know it’s coming, a moment like this can still feel surreal.
Tuskegee University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Reginald Ruffin, was formally recognized as the 2025–26 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics NCAA Division II Athletic Director of the Year.
Ruffin, who learned of the honor in March, said standing before his peers at the annual NACDA Convention brought a renewed sense of accomplishment for both himself and the Tuskegee athletics department.
“This recognition reflects our commitment, our integrity and our championship culture,” Ruffin said. “I don’t work for the accolades, with the thought of getting awards for the work that we do. We do this work for our student-athletes, for the people I work with every day—for students, fans, alumni, anyone invested in the growth and success of Tuskegee University.”
The NACDA Athletics Director of the Year Award, now in its 28th year, honors administrators who demonstrate excellence in leadership, student-athlete development, and commitment to intercollegiate athletics. Ruffin was the only representative from a historically Black college or university among this year’s honorees.
In addition to the Tuskegee athletics staff, several figures from across collegiate athletics attended the ceremony and evening reception in Ruffin’s honor. SIAC Commissioner Dr. Anthony Holliman presented Ruffin with a proclamation from the Clark County (Nevada) Commission.
Others in attendance included Miles College Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Watson, University of West Alabama Director of Athletics Brett Gilliland, and Alabama State University Director of Athletics Jason Cable.
“We have been able to do some great work, none of which could be accomplished without all of the stakeholders invested in Tuskegee,” Ruffin said. “I am so appreciative of our President, Dr. Mark Brown, for allowing us to create a plan and supporting us as we build toward accomplishing our goals. We’ll enjoy this tonight. But tomorrow, we get right back at it. We still have a lot to do to build on this foundation.”
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