CLEVELAND, Ohio&苍产蝉辫;鈥�&苍产蝉辫;罢丑别 (NACDA) announced the 28 winners of its Athletics Director of the Year Award (ADOY) on Wednesday and Jacksonville Senior Vice President and Athletic Director was chosen as one of four recipients for Division I-AAA . The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized leading up to and in conjunction with the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Virtual Convention, July 27-28.
The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities.
鈥淎s 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,鈥� said Bob Vecchione, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. 鈥淭his year we certainly could recognize every AD in the country with this award. 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 departments through this unprecedented time.鈥�
Ricker-Gilbert, currently in his fifth year as Athletic Director for the , was tasked with guiding the department through the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic and at the top of his messaging throughout, was the health and welfare of Jacksonville鈥檚 student-athletes first and foremost. His roles on the NCAA Legislation Committee (Vice Chair) and the NCAA Division I Council, allowed him to maintain a pulse on the national landscape as the pandemic and is effects took shape. His oversight of the development of JU鈥檚 COVID-19 protocols has resulted in minimal disruptions following the start to the basketball seasons and beyond.
鈥淚t is truly humbling to be honored and recognized as a NACDA Athletic Director of the Year,鈥� Ricker-Gilbert said. 鈥淭his type of award is more of a reflection of our wonderful staff than it is of me. I am fortunate to have incredible leadership around me. Our focus is and always will be on our student-athletes.鈥�
Despite the limitations of telecommunication, Alex鈥檚 budget-conscious approach allowed him to galvanize the necessary financial backing to break ground on a basketball performance center on campus in the fall. The facility will serve as a home and practice facility for the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball programs and is expected to open by the end of the calendar year.
In February, the department鈥檚 annual week-long micro giving campaign 鈥淒olphin Dash鈥�
raised a record $791,712 with contributions from nearly 4,000 unique donors.
While the majority of classes moved to an online format, with many of the Dolphins
scattered around the country and globe with seasons canceled or postponed, the department
still achieved the highest GPA in his history. Ricker-Gilbert himself, completed his
MBA in the Summer of 2020.
On the more person-to-person side of things, Ricker-Gilbert鈥檚 staff describes him as approachable, inclusive and welcoming. He鈥檚 very present with the student-athletes and takes the time to get to know each and every one of them, often attending practices, team, or zoom meetings and is regularly the most passionate supporter of each team from the stands or sidelines.
The Athletics Director of the Year distinction is the first of Ricker-Gilbert鈥檚 career, but his focus and commitment remains on enhancing the Jacksonville student-athlete experience. His tireless efforts and focus on that mission drive him and this department forward each and every day.
