Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award
Awarded just 11 times in the history of the NJCAA, the Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded by the association. The award seeks to recognize those that have demonstrated superior leadership and achievement in contributing to the advancement of amateur athletics. The honor is named after former NJCAA President Reed K. Swenson (1949-62) who is credited with leading the Association out of turmoil, dissension and near collapse after World War II. The athletic director and men's basketball coach from Weber College (Utah) led the NJCAA through three of the most challenging obstacles in its history: 1) the departure of its California members (many founding institutions of the organization) in the early 1950s 2) pressure from the American Association of Junior Colleges, which did not support regional and national competition in two-year college athletics and 3) intrusion by the NCAA. Through it all, Swenson's calm demeanor and diligent leadership solidified the NJCAA as the sole leader in two-year college athletics.
Reed K. Swenson Leadership Award Recipients
| Year | Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Bob Vecchione | Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) |
| 2013-14 | Mary Ellen Leicht | 25+ yrs of NJCAA service, including first female Executive Director (2009 - 2017) |
| 2005-06 | George E. Killian | 40+ yrs of NJCAA service, including first NJCAA Executive Director (1969 - 2004) |
| 1993-94 | Sam Suplizio | Director of NJCAA Baseball World Series (1970 - 2002) |
| 1991-92 | William L. Wall | USA Basketball Executive Director (1975-92) |
| 1987-88 | Walter Byers | NCAA Executive Director (1951-88) |
| 1984-85 | Dr. Harold T. Friermood | Invented the game of volleyball in 1895 and responsible for the sport's advancement |
| Dr. Edward S. Steitz | Editor of College Basketball Playing Rules (1966-90) | |
| 1983-84 | William E. Simon | United States Olympic Committee President (1981-85) |
| 1980-81 | Robert Kane | United States Olympic Committee President (1976-80) |
| Col. F. Don Miller | United States Olympic Committee Executive Director (1973-85) |