TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin has been named a 2025-26 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced Monday.
 
Ruffin was selected as one of the national honorees in the NCAA Division II category, recognizing athletics administrators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to student-athletes and their institutions. The award spans seven divisions across collegiate athletics and honors athletics directors who inspire excellence within their departments and communities.
 
"Reginald Ruffin's commitment to our student-athletes and to Mother Tuskegee knows no bounds," said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO of Tuskegee University. "His extraordinary leadership on and off the field represents the height of sportsmanship, teamwork and the indominable will to win. The entire Tuskegee family is celebrating his well-deserved NACDA recognition."

Ruffin will be formally recognized during the 61st Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention, which will be held June 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
 
"This recognition reflects the incredible work being done across our entire athletics department," Ruffin said. "Our coaches, student-athletes, staff, and supporters continue to push Tuskegee Athletics forward, and it is an honor to represent this historic university and the Golden Tiger community."
 
Ruffin, who was named Tuskegee's Director of Athletics in December 2021, was elevated to Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director in 2025 after leading one of the most successful periods in recent Tuskegee athletics history.
 
Since transitioning fully into the role of athletics director in 2023, Ruffin has overseen significant competitive success across multiple programs. Tuskegee softball captured both the SIAC regular-season and conference championships, while the men's basketball program won an SIAC regular-season title and reached the SIAC Championship Game in both 2025 and 2026. The women's basketball team also advanced to the SIAC Championship Game in 2025, highlighting the department's continued success in marquee sports.
 
Tuskegee has also experienced championship success in Olympic sports under Ruffin's leadership. The women's track and field program captured three consecutive SIAC championships, winning the 2025 Indoor Championship, 2025 Outdoor Championship, and 2026 Indoor Championship, while the women's tennis program secured back-to-back SIAC titles in 2024 and 2025.
 
Beyond competitive success, Ruffin has played a key role in advancing major facility improvements across Tuskegee's athletics venues. Beginning in 2024, the university partnered with Alabama Power to install lighting systems at several facilities, including Cleve Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, the TU Softball Field, and Washington Field. The project was completed in 2025 and allowed Tuskegee to host the first night football game in program history at Abbott Stadium, marking a historic milestone for the university and enhancing the overall game-day experience for fans and student-athletes.
 
The NACDA Athletics Director of the Year Award is now in its 28th year and recognizes athletics administrators who demonstrate commitment to higher education, student-athlete development, teamwork, and leadership within intercollegiate athletics.
 
Ruffin joins a distinguished group of leaders honored nationally for their impact across collegiate athletics and continues to help elevate Tuskegee's tradition of excellence.

How to Follow the Golden Tigers: For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Athletics, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.