2024 George E. Killian Award of Excellence
George E. Killian Award of Excellence
Since 2006, The George E. Killian Award of Excellence has been awarded annually to individuals that have demonstrated the ideals of voluntarism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence as exemplified by its namesake. Only active Region Directors, Assistant Region Directors, Coaches Association Presidents, Presidential Representatives, and Officers are eligible for consideration with a minimum of two years of national service to the NJCAA. George E. Killian was one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Association. To view a list of past winners, visit: George E. Killian Award of Excellence Winners
Tommy Stewart – Holyoke Community College (MA)
Tommy Stewart, who has over 35 years of experience in collegiate athletics, was named Director of Athletics at Holyoke Community College in 1998, overseeing nine intercollegiate athletic programs. Stewart serves on the NJCAA Board of Regents as the representative for Region 21. He chairs the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf Committee and the NJCAA Division III Women's Golf Committee while also serving on the NJCAA Track and Field Committee.
During his career, Stewart has hosted nine NJCAA Cross Country championships and a Track and Field championship.
In 2016, Stewart was elected as the 2nd Vice President for the association's men's division. In that role, Stewart oversaw the complete budgetary activity of the association. He has previously served as the co-chair of the finance and budget committee.
Mary Young – Central Community College-Columbus (NE)
Mary Young serves as the Director of Athletics and Head Volleyball Coach at Central Community College-Columbus. As head volleyball coach, Young has led the Raiders to 14 Region 9 championships and 17 Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference championships. Under her leadership, Central has made an appearance in 12 NJCAA national tournaments finishing top 10 in 10 of those. She has coached 97 All-Conference players, 90 All-Region performers, 25 NJCAA All-Americans, and three AVCA All-Americans.
A 14-time NCCAC Coach of the Year, 13-time Region 9 Coach of the Year, and three-time AVCA West Region Coach of the Year, Young has had great success in the coaching realm. Young stepped into her role as athletic director in 2023 after 24 years as a volleyball coach. Young played an integral role in negotiating the dual membership between the NJCAA and the AVCA for volleyball coaches.
On the national level, Young serves in multiple capacities for the NJCAA including currently serving as the Senior Women's Administrator. She also serves on several NJCAA committees including NJCAA Championship Events Committee, NJCAA Sports Governance Committee, and NJCAA Eligibility Committee. She has previously served as the president of the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association, Region 9 Assistant Director, Region 9 Director, and inaugural NJCAA Board of Regents member. Young was also instrumental in the addition of Beach Volleyball as an NJCAA sport.
For all 2024 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2023-24 NJCAA Award Winners
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home