2022 Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award

Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award

Founded in 1959, the NJCAA Service Award is the most tenured honor handed out by the association. It is given to those - most often not an athlete - who have made significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level for an extended period of time. Annually, one Service Award can be reserved for a member of the media. In 2017, the NJCAA renamed the honor to the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award in recognition of the 28 years of dedicated service by its third Executive Director. To view a list of past winners, visit: Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award Winners

Brian Beck - NJCAA National Office

2022 capped a career encompassing over 31 consecutive years of service and leadership within the NJCAA for Brian Beck, including over 14 years as the NJCAA National Office's head of compliance and eligibility. As one of the longest-tenured staff members of the NJCAA National Office, Beck worked his way up through various positions beginning as the Director of Eligibility, Assistant Executive Director, Chief Operations Director, and ultimately to his current role as Vice President for Compliance and Eligibility. His service and dedication to the success of NJCAA member colleges and student-athletes was always felt around the association.

Beck was instrumental in multiple progressions and refining efforts as they relate to the NJCAA's compliance and eligibility processes. As the association molded around countless COVID-19 cancellations and regulations, Beck led initiatives to ensure student-athletes were treated fairly and returned to play as soon as possible. The compliance and eligibility department grew exponentially with Beck in office and he was widely recognized as a mentor to young professionals. As part of the leadership team, Beck dedicated time to finetune the NJCAA's LOI process, roll out the NJCAA Administrative Portal, and much more. 

Prior to joining the NJCAA National Office, Beck served as the assistant director of athletics at Gloucester County College (NJ), now RCSJ-Gloucester, for two years (2006-08). During his time with the Roadrunners, Beck monitored academic requirements and grades of approximately 180 student-athletes, while facilitating tutoring services. The college's retention rate of student-athletes consistently exceeded 92 percent during Beck's tenure. Beck exemplifies what a true teacher in academic and athletic success looks like, pouring into the association and serving those around him.

LeAnn Cox - Visit Hutch 

LeAnn Cox has been the Director of Visit Hutch since 2004 and assumed additional duties as Vice President of Operations and Tourism in January 2015. Previously, Cox spent four years as General Manager at a local hotel after having been with Visit Hutch for five years. She is on the Travel Industry Association of Kansas Board of Directors, serves as secretary on the executive committee, and also serves on various local boards and committees. 

Cox has been instrumental in the success of the historic NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Tournament held in Hutchinson, KS, serving as an advocate for the best possible student-athlete and member college championship experience. Cox has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure ample team and fan lodging that are integral to the success of the tournament each year. She coordinates with the NJCAA in these efforts and is also on the Division I Men's Basketball Championship Marketing Committee. In addition to hosting the men's basketball championship in Hutchinson, Cox is also involved in the planning and execution of the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship Tournament and its many moving parts. Cox sees the value in the community of Hutchinson having a relationship between the thousands of student-athletes that compete for a championship each year.

For all 2022 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2022 NJCAA Award Winners

For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home