Sharon Sanford Honored As NACWAA Administrator Of The Year

BUFFALO, NY -  In recognition of the outstanding achievements and successes of women working in athletics, NACWAA announced its 2012 Administrator of the Year Award recipients.  Among the eight honorees is Buffalo Assistant Athletic Director Sharon Sanford, who was honored at the Nell Jackson Administrator Of The Year.

“It is humbling to receive this award in honor of Dr. Nell Jackson who has been described as a “difference maker in ever stop in her life,” said Sanford. “ As I receive this recognition, I reflect on all of the courageous women who blazed the trails so that I might have the opportunity to not only play sports, but to work in a field that I love that provides opportunities for girls and women to pursue their athletic dreams.  I am thankful to all of the people who believed in me and left their prints on my life helping to mold me into the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year award.  I am truly honored.”

Sanford has been an advocate for gender equality and diversity in the athletic community, devoting herself to student-athlete growth and leading community outreach efforts. Before joining the Buffalo athletic department in 2002 as special assistant to the athletic director, Sanford coordinated the federally-funded TRIO program, Student Support Services, and later worked in the Office of Student Multicultural Affairs at UB. Sanford serves on several committees and programs, including the NCAA Division I Rowing Committee.

The Administrator of the Year Award, sponsored by Jostens, is presented annually to NACWAA members for significant contributions made as athletics administrators. In addition, the Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year Award honors an administrator who exemplifies the personal qualities and professional accomplishments of Dr. Nell Jackson—courage, conviction and perseverance.

Celebrating its 33rd year, the NACWAA National Convention is the premier conference for women working in intercollegiate athletics. Attended by athletics directors, conference commissioners, coaches, administrators and staff from all divisions of intercollegiate athletics, this annual gathering provides three days of unparalleled education, leadership training and networking. The 2012 event will be held October 7-9 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.  Sanford and the other honorees will be honored at a lunch on the final day of the convention.