2021 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
Tom Shaw - Kellogg Community College (MI) | NJCAA Region 12 Men's Director
Tom Shaw, Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Kellogg Community College, has been responsible for growing the Bruins' athletic department including the addition of men's and women's cross country, men's and women's bowling, and women's soccer in the last four seasons.
An active leader on the regional and national levels, Shaw has served as the Treasurer for the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, NJCAA Region 12 Men's Director, NJCAA Region 12 Division II Baseball Committee Chair, and NJCAA Cross Country Committee Chair.
During the 2020-21 academic year, Shaw played an integral role in the successful completion of ten NJCAA National Championships. As the Cross Country Committee Chair, Shaw assisted the National Office and host Iowa Central Community College with many aspects of the NJCAA Cross Country and Half Marathon Championships in November including COVID-19 protocols and procedures. These events marked the first collegiate national championship events to take place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Shaw stepped up to the plate once again to host the NJCAA Men's and Women's Bowling Championships, an event Kellogg was not slated to host until 2022.
Shaw's commitment to the association and its student-athletes is evident to all who work with him.
Nick Schroeder - Catawba Valley Community College (NC) | NJCAA Region 10 Women's Director
In his eighth year as the Director of Athletics at Catawba Valley Community College, Schroeder has seen exponential growth in the four original Red Hawk athletic programs, which have won 14 conference championships, nine region championships, six district championships, made six national tournament appearances, and honored 15 All-Americans. In 2019, Schroeder helped expand Catawba Valley's athletic department by adding softball, esports, and bass fishing.
Schroeder serves the NJCAA as the Region 10 Women's Director, while also serving on the NJCAA Eligibility Committee, the NJCAA DII Volleyball Committee, and is Chair of the NJCAA DII Softball Committee. He supports Region 10 as the sports information director, where he manages the Region 10 website.
This year, Schroeder served as the tournament director for the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship held at Catawba Valley. When the original location was unable to host due to COVID-19 restrictions, with less than a two-week notice, Schroeder and the Red Hawks' staff put together a first-class national tournament experience for the 16 teams that traveled to Hickory, NC for the event.
For all 2021 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2021 NJCAA Award Winners
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home