LAS VEGAS -- Tuskegee Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Reginald Ruffin had known since March that he was going to be honored as the 2025-26 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) NCAA Division II Athletic Director of the Year. But when he stood in front of his peers at the annual NACDA Convention at the Mandolay Bay Convention Center last Tuesday, it created a renewed feeling of accomplishment for the leader of the Golden Tigers' athletic department.
"This recognition reflects our commitment, our integrity and our championship culture. I don't work for the accolades, with the thought of getting awards for the work that we do," Ruffin said. "We do this work for our student-athletes, for the people I work with every day. For students, fans, alumni...anyone that is invested in the growth and success of Tuskegee University."
This was the 28th year that NACDA has sponsored the Athletics Director of the Year Award, which recognizes athletics administrators who demonstrate commitment to higher education, student-athlete development, teamwork, and leadership within intercollegiate athletics. While the successes on and off the fields of play have been documented over the past year, Ruffin's reach throughout the world of college athletics was highlighted at his formal acknowledgment as this year's only HBCU recipient during the day and at the reception in his honor that night.
It was not unexpected for members of the Tuskegee athletics staff to be in attendance to celebrate their leader. But many more came out from multiple walks of the collegiate athletics world, including SIAC Commissioner Dr. Anthony Holliman - who presented Ruffin with a proclamation from the Clark County (Nevada) Commission, Miles College Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Fred Watson, University of West Alabama Director of Athletics Brett Gilliland, and Jason Cable, Alabama State University Director of Athletics.
There was also endearing acknowledgments from Tuskegee Board of Trustee member Jonathan Porter and president of the Tuskegee University National Alumni Association Dale Powell and his wife, Regina, who actively continue to support Ruffin and his continuing advancement of the athletic department.
As Ruffin made his way around the room and was able to revel in this big honor, he remained reflective of the work that's been done but was already engaged in what lies ahead for Tuskegee athletics.
"We have been able to do some great work, none of which could not be accomplished without all of the stakeholders invested in Tuskegee. I am so appreciative of our President, Dr. Mark Brown, for allowing us to create a plan and support us as we build towards accomplishing our goals," Ruffin said. "We'll enjoy this tonight. But on tomorrow, we get right back at it. We still have a lot to do to build on this foundation."
