West Virginia’s Shane Lyons is one of four recipients of the Athletics Director of the Year Award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the university announced Wednesday.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award, and I share it with all the hard-working people who make our athletics department so special,” Lyons said in a news release.
“I cannot thank my family and our university administration enough for their support. It is truly an honor to be a part of President (E. Gordon) Gee’s leadership team and to be the director of athletics at West Virginia University.”
The award highlights the efforts of athletic directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, the campuses of their university and their surrounding communities.
Lyons has helped guide West Virginia and its athletic programs through the issues and obstacles relating to the covid-19 pandemic.
He earned recognition for his work as chairman of the Football Oversight Committee and has been credited as one of the main figures in getting the 2020 college football season underway and completed.
Lyons, in his seventh year at WVU, also has worked on the NCAA’s Division I Council which has helped bring reform for student-athletes affected by the pandemic and shaped the future direction for college athletics.
He is WVU’s first-ever recipient of the Athletic Director of the Year Award. He will be honored at the NACDA national convention in July.
“As we reflect upon all that has happened in our industry and in our world over the past year in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to honor the dedication and passion that NACDA athletics directors have for their student-athletes, institutions and campus communities,” said Bob Vecchione, NACDA’s chief executive officer.
“We applaud the efforts of the men and women across the country who have served as a source of inspiration and strength in leading their department through this unprecedented time.”
