WICHITA, Kan. — Arabie Conner of Ottawa University has been named the 2021-22 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year, the conference office announced Thursday. This marks the fourth time Conner has won the award since its inception in the 2008-09 academic year.
 
"I'm especially honored by this recognition for our department and proud to work in the KCAC," Conner remarked. "The evolution of the KCAC under Dr. Crawford's leadership has led to unprecedented success in all facets, led by the many committed athletic directors and staff throughout the conference who work tirelessly."
 
"We've been very fortunate to have great administrative support through the years at OU, allowing our athletic leadership team to grow and build not only the number and size of the programs, but the transformational experience that athletics uniquely provides," Conner continued. "Our dedicated staff and coaches selflessly show up every day driven to deliver a great experience while building a family environment for our student-athletes that will go with them into life.  
 
"I'm very thankful to work under Dr. Wenyika, whose unwavering support in word and action is seen and felt by our student-athletes, something I'd wish for any campus. His engagement and commitment to the KCAC and NAIA speaks for itself, and is making an impact on our students every day."
 
"Congratulations to Arabie for this great honor and recognition!", Dr. Reggies Wenyika, President of Ottawa University Midwest, said. "Her numerous accomplishments over the decades while at the helm of OU Braves athletics, and her participation, contribution, and devotion to the KCAC is exceptional and exemplary. Kudos and many thanks from Brave Nation!"
 
"Arabie is so deserving of this award for a variety of reasons.  It is noteworthy to recognize her successes within the KCAC with her athletic department at Ottawa University in regular-season and postseason competition, athletic facility upgrades, and the service she provides to the conference serving on conference-level and national-level committees.  She is an exemplary leader and thinker devoted to her institution," stated Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner.  "Kudos to Arabie's colleagues for recognizing her efforts this year as well as throughout her career to honor her once again with this award."
 
This season, the Ottawa University athletic department enjoyed a great deal of success under Conner's leadership, winning conference championships or invitationals in volleyball, men's wrestling, women's flag football, and four of the conference's five Esports titles.
 
In Conner's tenure as Ottawa's athletic director (since August 2004), the department has seen a great deal of growth. The number of teams/athletics programs has jumped from 13 to 33, the number of student-athletes on campus has risen from 278 to 800, and the structure of the athletic department has been altered to incorporate a stronger and more efficient form of middle-level management. The athletic department has developed campaigns for several renovations and construction of new facilities on campus, including, but not limited to:

• New turf fields for baseball, softball, and a multi-purpose field.
• The Braves Athletic Performance Center - a 9000-square-foot weight room. 
• New turf design and track upgrades.
• Renovations to Wilson Field House.

 
Conner also serves on a variety of committees at the KCAC and NAIA levels, helping to serve in roles that lead to change on the collegiate athletics landscape. Conner is the KCAC representative on the Board of Directors for the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, serves on the KCAC governing council, chairs the KCAC Sport Expansion Committee, and serves on the NAIA National Drug Education and Testing Committee.
 
Previous KCAC Athletic Director of the Year Winners
2020-21: Tony Hoops, Bethel College
2019-20: Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University
2018-19: Mike Hermann, Kansas Wesleyan University
2017-18: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University | Dane Pavlovich, Bethany College
2016-17: Rob Miller, University of Saint Mary
2015-16: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University
2014-15: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University
2013-14: Rusty Allen, Tabor College 
2012-13: No Nominees Submitted
2011-12: Rusty Allen, Tabor College
2010-11: Arabie Conner, Ottawa University
2009-10: Diane Flickner, Bethel College
2008-09: Joe Zimmerman, Friends University