Berry College President Honored with NCAA Service Award

Berry College President Steve Briggs was recently honored at the 2025 NCAA National Convention with the Daniel T. Dutcher Meritorious Service Award.

During Briggs tenure, Berry athletics has soared to new heights as he grew sports participation by adding nine collegiate sports in 19 years. He transitioned the college from NAIA to NCAA Division III with full membership that began in 2013. Since then, the athletic program has been seen on a national level while abiding by the NCAA guidelines and implementing the DIII motto of “Discover. Develop. Dedicate.”

“Dr. Briggs is an exceptional leader that truly values the impact of athletics on a residential campus,” said Director of Athletics Angel Mason. “There are not many presidents that invest as deeply as he does in not just the students, but on the coaches that impact our students lives on a daily basis.”

Briggs is also a founding president of the SAA (Southern Athletic Association) conference and has served as the conference chair of the president’s committee which created the initial SAA logo and conference mission.

SAA Commissioner Stacey Ladew said, “Dr. Briggs’ career is a testament to vision, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of athletics within education.”

“His contributions have left an indelible mark on Berry College, the SAA, and Division III as a whole. Dr. Briggs has been a steadfast leader and an unwavering advocate for the values of higher education and athletics. During his tenure, Berry College has flourished—not only as a nationally recognized institution of academic excellence but also as a model for how athletics can complement and enhance the student experience.”

The Daniel T. Dutcher Meritorious Service Award is given annually to an individual who, over time, has made significant and substantial contributions to Division III athletics, consistent with the purposes of the Division III Commissioners Association. Candidates shall be current or former conference or institutional representatives, including, but not limited to, conference executives, athletics administrators, faculty athletics representatives, and academic administrators. Briggs is just the second president to receive the award in its 24-year history and the first from an SAA institution.