CLEVELAND—Southeastern University Director of Athletics Drew Watson was selected to the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics AD of the Year Award honorees for the 2023-24 season.
This marks the third time Watson was honored for his work at Southeastern by the association that selects 28 winners nationally across seven divisions of college athletics.
"An award of this nature truly reflects the work of the entire staff and the backing of University administration," said Watson. "To that end, I want to thank SEU President, Dr. Kent Ingle, for his vision and support over the last 13 years. I also want to thank each and every one of the amazing people who call Fire athletics their home."
Watson was one of just seven repeat selections among the group of honorees, receiving the honor in 2017 and 2020.
"On behalf of our entire university community, we are so proud of Drew and this incredible achievement," said Southeastern University President Dr. Kent Ingle. "As a third-time recipient of this award, I truly believe that it speaks to his commitment to excellence. I am so grateful for his leadership of our athletics programs, staff and student athletes. We would not have reached the level of growth and success we have without his wisdom and guidance."
Under Watson's leadership, Southeastern finished fifth each of the last two years in NACDA's LEARFIELD Directors' Cup which awards points based on a school's finish in the national championship. Since taking over as athletics director, Watson has seen the Fire win three NAIA national championships in baseball and men's indoor track and field and has helped the program grow from nine programs with 150 student-athletes to 20 programs and 550 student-athletes.
"Congratulations to Drew on being named as a NACDA Athletic Director of the Year," said Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke. "His unwavering dedication to Fire Athletics along with his bold advocacy for The Sun Conference and the NAIA make him a very deserving recipient and we look forward to his continued leadership moving forward."
Additionally, Watson currently is the past president of the NAIA's Athletic Directors Association, serves on the National Administrative Council, the NAIA's Conduct and Ethics Committee, and The Sun Conference Executive Committee. He is a five-time Sun Conference Athletic Director of the Year honoree and was the NAIA's Athletic Director of the Year for 2018-19.
Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 59
th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas at the beginning of the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 11
th at 4 p.m.
"Our coaching staff, athletic communications staff, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning team, graduate assistants, and administrative team sacrifice so much for the benefit of our student-athletes and each other," said Watson. "We have the best staff in the country and all of us are so very blessed to walk alongside our student-athletes as they grow throughout their college journey."
