The Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) has announced the 2016-17 annual administrative award winners, with College of the Ozarks’ Steve Shepherd selected as the A.I.I. Athletics Director of the Year.
Shepherd has been the head men’s basketball coach at College of the Ozarks for 15 years, and he has served the past two years in the dual role of athletics director and head men’s basketball coach.
“In addition to handling the daily administrative tasks of an athletic director, Steve finds time to mentor the other coaches on campus as well as the many student athletes who seek him out,” stated Chris Larsen, dean of sports, recreation and events. “Coach Shepherd serves the A.I.I. and the NAIA proudly as a conference rater, and he is active at the national convention. He has helped to create a model program at College of the Ozarks and he ensures our institution is an outstanding representative of the NAIA.”
Meg Schebler, assistant commissioner of the A.I.I commented, “Coach Shepherd’s leadership throughout the bid process and championship events clearly reflects his character-driven values.”
Coach Shepherd and his staff hosted the 2016 A.I.I. Volleyball Championship and the 2017 A.I.I. Men’s and Women’s DII Basketball Championships for the first time this past year with great success. As a result, the College will also host these events for 2017-18.
