Former Hollins AD Earns National Honor

Lynda Calkins honored as Southeast Region winner for Division III

ROANOKE, Va. --- Former Hollins University Athletic Director Lynda Calkins has received the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) AstroTurf Athletic Director of the Year award for the Division III Southeast Region.

Hollins will present the award to Calkins and recognize her contributions to the university's athletic program during a halftime ceremony at Hollins' home basketball game with Roanoke College on Saturday, December 6.

Calkins was director of athletics and chair of physical education at Hollins from 1985 to 2008. During her tenure, she oversaw the university's intercollegiate athletic programs, physical education, intramural programs, sports camps, and recreation programs, and coached the swim team. She was also chair of the NCAA's Council on Women's Athletics and served in a number of capacities on behalf of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), of which Hollins is a member school. Highlights include nine years as a member of the conference's Executive Committee and a term as ODAC president from 1995-1997.

Criteria for the award include service as an athletic director for a minimum of five academic years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishment. Nationally, 29 honorees were chosen this year.

"This program brings to light the exceptional jobs done by athletic directors across the country," said NACDA Executive Director Michael Cleary. "These 29 winners exemplify that, providing us with a group of outstanding athletic directors who excel at their jobs."

This release is courtesy of the Hollins University Office of Public Relations.