CLEVELAND, Ohio – Bradley University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Chris Reynolds has been named a 2023-24 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year for the second time in his career. Dr. Reynolds was named the AD of the Year in the 2020-21 academic year. The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced the 28 winners of the NACDA AD of the Year Award (ADOY) today. The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and Junior College/Community Colleges).

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.
 
"NACDA is honored to continue the tradition of the Athletics Director of the Year Award and recognize a new class of individuals for 2023-24," said Pat Manak, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. "As an Association it is part of our mission to develop tomorrow's leaders led by today's decision makers, which is why it is so fitting that 21 of the 28 recipients of the ADOY award this year are first-time winners. We are proud to play a small role in growing the pipeline of athletics directors making an impact throughout the industry." Dr. Reynolds is completing his ninth year leading the Bradley University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics which includes record-breaking achievements, particularly this year with all 200+ Bradley University student-athletes. 2023 Highlights
 
Dr. Reynolds completed a five-year term as member of the Division I Men's Basketball Committee in 2023, serving as chair of the committee for the 2022-23 year which culminated in Houston, Texas at the 2023 Men's Final Four. He is the only director of athletics from the Missouri Valley Conference to ever represent the conference as chair of the Division I Men's Basketball Committee.
 
During the 2023 calendar year, Bradley University student-athletes excelled academically with an impressive 3.42 GPA across 15 sport programs, achieving a record combined GPA of 3.48 during the fall semester. A total of 142 students were named to the AD Honor Roll for maintaining a GPA of at least 3.3, with 57 achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.
 
Nine of Bradley's 15 teams boasted 100 percent Graduation Success Rates in the most recent cohort, per the NCAA release on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. In addition to the eight teams with a perfect 100 percent GSR, six teams matched or exceeded the national average for their respective sport. Every Bradley program earned an 89 percent or higher GSR.
 
Bradley Athletics has implemented the Power of Sport Initiative, engaging over 200 student-athletes in providing tutoring and mentoring services to students in Peoria Public Schools grades 3rd-6th, with follow-up sessions on campus to discuss educational and career goals.
 
Bradley student-athletes combined for 1,500 community service hours with 60 different communities in the past academic year.
 
Established as the 2nd best program in the MVC, the BUild initiative excels in facilitating NIL opportunities while collaborating with INFLCR for a business marketplace and YOKE to launch an exclusive "NIL Club" for women's sports programs.
 
A Fueling Station Center was launched to aid in the nutritional support of the 200+ student-athletes, with funding from our dedicated donors.
 
An indoor golf facility project was completed by adding two indoor hitting bays, simulators and resurfaced greens.
 
Bradley University's men's basketball program achieved their first regular season championship in 27 years in 2023, earning the MVC Coach of the Year award along with multiple individual honors. The team also led the Missouri Valley Conference in attendance, with their regular season home finale drawing the largest crowd since 2012 and the largest in the MVC since the 2017-18 season.
 
Indoor and Outdoor Track produced a First Team All-American for the first time in any sport at Bradley since 2013 and won seven titles at the Missouri Valley Indoor Championships, including Freshman of the Year.
 
Men's Golf placed two golfers among the top 10 finishers at the Missouri Valley Conference tournament for the first time since 2019. Over the Years – Dr. Chris Reynolds
 
Bradley Athletics YouTube Videos – View Here
Bradley Athletics video playlist highlighting Dr. Chris Reynolds and showcases various features including Great Teammate Awards, the B.O.L.D Institute, interviews, and more to engage and inform fans about the department's achievements and initiatives.
 
Peoria Magazine Manning the Point, From Basketball Floor to NCAA Big Time – Read Here
Peoria Magazine features Dr. Chris Reynolds in their Local Legends series, showcasing his notable achievements in athletics, academics, and his career progression to Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University.
 
WCBU.Org Q&A with Dr. Chris Reynolds – View Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds sits down for a Q&A with WCBU and discusses building a positive culture in the athletics department in a new era.
 
Marketing Sweats Podcast with Dr. Chris Reynolds – Listen Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds shares insights on the transformative power of sports as a teaching tool for students of all ages in his discussion with Marketing Sweats Podcast.
 
JournalStar Article on NCAA Selection Chairman, Dr. Chris Reynolds – Read Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds, NCAA Men's Basketball Section Chair, is featured in the PJ Star Article documenting his journey and accomplishments in the sports industry.
 
PJ Star & Yahoo! Sports: 'Gratitude' – Read Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds shares valuable insights and experiences from his time on the committee in a PJ Star article.
 
NCAA: In His Own Words – Read Here
NCAA article spotlights Dr. Chris Reynolds' post-graduate internship and student-athlete experience.
 
Bradley Athletics: Reynolds Named I-AAA ADA President – Read Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University, will assume the role of President for the Division I-AAA Athletic Director's Association for the 2020-21 school year.
 
NACDA Athletic Director of the Year 2020-21 – Read Here
Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University, has been named a recipient of the 2020-21 NACDA Athletic Director of the Year award.