Two From Spartan Athletic Department Garner National Recognition
6/26/2020 5:04:00 PM | General
EAST LANSING – Michigan State Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Engagement Elliott Daniels and Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Support Services Jeremy Flynn were both honored with awards at this past week's National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete (N4A) Development Professionals virtual convention.
"Michigan State University has a long tradition of service to the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A)," said Jim Pignataro, MSU Executive Associate Athletics Director and past N4A President. "In 1979 N4A's President was former MSU Athletics Director Dr. Clarence Underwood, who paved the way for student-athlete programming and both Elliott and Jeremy have carried on that tradition."
Daniels was honored with the Professional Excellence Award for Region III, which is presented to one member from each N4A Region. The N4A Professional Excellence Award recognizes professionals with 6-15 years in the field who meet the following criteria: demonstrate N4A involvement at the regional and/or national level; have a commitment to improving his/her department, often going above and beyond the tasks/responsibilities outlined in their job description; show an ability to meet their students' needs and address critical issues within athletics and/or the campus community; and are viewed as a leader/mentor among his/her colleagues and is well-respected within the industry.
"Elliott is a visionary leader and is extremely passionate about the student-athlete experience," Pignataro said. "His contributions to our industry will last a lifetime, and his work at MSU is seen through how much he is respect and appreciated."
Flynn was recognized with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a N4A member who demonstrates the following qualities: continuous N4A membership for five years; leadership in N4A at the regional or national level, a high quality of which is recognized by N4A peers; and contributions above and beyond the normal service required by positions of leadership.
"I can think of no one more deserving of the Distinguished Service Award than Jeremy," said Todd Edwards, MSU's SASS Executive Director, and former N4A Region III director. "He epitomizes servant leadership with his sincere, selfless interest in the well-being of our students and staff, as well as his extensive work on the national level. His attitude, experience and professional approach are valuable to our unit, department and industry, and appreciated by all who know him."
"Michigan State University has a long tradition of service to the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A)," said Jim Pignataro, MSU Executive Associate Athletics Director and past N4A President. "In 1979 N4A's President was former MSU Athletics Director Dr. Clarence Underwood, who paved the way for student-athlete programming and both Elliott and Jeremy have carried on that tradition."
Daniels was honored with the Professional Excellence Award for Region III, which is presented to one member from each N4A Region. The N4A Professional Excellence Award recognizes professionals with 6-15 years in the field who meet the following criteria: demonstrate N4A involvement at the regional and/or national level; have a commitment to improving his/her department, often going above and beyond the tasks/responsibilities outlined in their job description; show an ability to meet their students' needs and address critical issues within athletics and/or the campus community; and are viewed as a leader/mentor among his/her colleagues and is well-respected within the industry.
"Elliott is a visionary leader and is extremely passionate about the student-athlete experience," Pignataro said. "His contributions to our industry will last a lifetime, and his work at MSU is seen through how much he is respect and appreciated."
Flynn was recognized with the 2020 Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a N4A member who demonstrates the following qualities: continuous N4A membership for five years; leadership in N4A at the regional or national level, a high quality of which is recognized by N4A peers; and contributions above and beyond the normal service required by positions of leadership.
"I can think of no one more deserving of the Distinguished Service Award than Jeremy," said Todd Edwards, MSU's SASS Executive Director, and former N4A Region III director. "He epitomizes servant leadership with his sincere, selfless interest in the well-being of our students and staff, as well as his extensive work on the national level. His attitude, experience and professional approach are valuable to our unit, department and industry, and appreciated by all who know him."
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