2021 Appreciation Award
Appreciation Award
The Appreciation Award is handed out strictly at the discretion of the current NJCAA President & CEO to recognize superior contributions to the Association. This award can be bestowed to an individual, group or member college. To view a list of past winners, visit: Appreciation Award Past Winners
Gary Huber | Black Hawk College (IL) | NJCAA Board of Regents
Gary Huber has been a fixture in the association for over 30 years. As the long-time Athletic Director and Head Men's Golf Coach at Black Hawk College, Huber placed a priority on student-athlete success on the playing field and in the classroom. During Huber's time at Black Hawk, he served as the NJCAA Region 4 Men's Director.
Upon his retirement in 2019, Huber continued his involvement on the region and national levels, serving as the Region 4 NJCAA Board of Regents representative.
Over his tenure, Huber served on numerous committees and dedicated countless hours to the betterment of the association. Most recently, Huber's contributions to the NJCAA Eligibility Committee have been essential in navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. Huber's high level of integrity and humility is evident to all of this peers and colleagues.
Dr. Jay Lee | Northeastern Junior College (CO) | NJCAA Board of Regents
Dr. Jay Lee joined Northeastern Junior College as President in March 2012 and has had a 35-year career as a two-year college educator and leader. Throughout his tenure as President, Dr. Lee has encouraged innovation and technology to support best-in-class education and career training opportunities for his students. Dr. Lee has shown an unwavering commitment to the academic success of his student-athletes and the entire student body. On a national level, Dr. Lee has served as a member of the NJCAA Presidential Advisory Council and the NJCAA Eligibility Committee. As a member of the Presidential Advisory Council, Dr. Lee assists the Council in providing a platform for national and regional dialogues among member college presidents and assists the association in setting the national agenda and strategic directions.
Prior to joining Northeastern, Lee served as the chief academic officer at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho for four years. He also served in various roles for 18 years at Rochester Community and Technical College (MN) that included being a full-time law enforcement faculty, social science and physical education department chair, associate dean, and dean of career and technical instruction.
Dr. Lee recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the calendar year on December 31, 2021.
For all 2021 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2021 NJCAA Award Winners
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home