2026 Recipient of the James J. Corbett Memorial Award: Dr. Lee A. McElroy Jr.
March 18, 2026
The 2026 James J. Corbett Memorial Award
Congratulations to Board of Trustee Member Dr. Lee A. McElroy Jr., the 2026 recipient of the James J. Corbett Memorial Award.
Presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), this prestigious national honor recognizes a collegiate administrator who, throughout their career, has exemplified James J. Corbett’s devotion to intercollegiate athletics and has worked tirelessly for its advancement and betterment.
James J. Corbett was a highly respected leader in collegiate athletics administration and one of the founders of NACDA. He served as the first executive director of NACDA, holding the position from the organization’s founding in 1965 until his death in 1971.
Before his work with NACDA, Corbett had a long career in college athletics, including serving as Director of Athletics at Louisiana State University (LSU). He was widely known for his dedication to strengthening intercollegiate athletics, leadership development, and professional collaboration among athletics administrators.
A Career Defined by Excellence in Athletic Administration
Dr. Lee A. McElroy Jr. is a distinguished leader in collegiate athletics whose career as an athletic director spans more than three decades. He served as Director of Athletics at several institutions, including California State University, Sacramento; American University; the University at Albany (SUNY); and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
McElroy’s most notable tenure was at the University at Albany, where he served as Vice President and Director of Athletics from 2000 to 2014, overseeing 19 NCAA Division I programs. During his leadership, the athletics department successfully transitioned from Division II to Division I competition, winning 74 conference championships and earning 31 NCAA postseason appearances.
Following his retirement from UAlbany, McElroy continued his leadership in collegiate athletics as Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute from 2015 to 2023, where he guided a department of more than 20 varsity programs and hundreds of student-athletes.
Beyond his campus leadership roles, McElroy has been an influential national voice in intercollegiate athletics. He served as President of NACDA from 2006–2007, contributed to NCAA and conference governance, and has been recognized for his work promoting diversity, equity, and opportunity in athletics administration.
Dr. McElroy’s leadership, service, and lasting contributions to collegiate athletics make him a truly deserving recipient of the James J. Corbett Memorial Award.
Among Esteemed Leaders in Collegiate Athletics
Dr. McElroy is the third member of the United States Sports University Board of Trustees to receive this honor, joining Dr. Gary Cunningham and Ms. Joan Cronan.
Dr. Gary Cunningham received the James J. Corbett Memorial Award in 2003. At the time, he served as Director of Athletics at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).
Dr. Gary Cunningham is a respected leader in collegiate athletics with a career spanning coaching, administration, and national athletics leadership. He began his career as a basketball player at UCLA, where he played under legendary coach John Wooden and was part of the Bruins’ early championship success. Cunningham later served as head coach of the UCLA men’s basketball team from 1977 to 1979.
After his coaching career, Cunningham moved into athletics administration, serving as Director of Athletics at several institutions, including Western Oregon State College, the University of Wyoming, Fresno State, and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Known for his leadership and commitment to student-athlete development, he helped strengthen athletic programs and promote integrity and excellence in intercollegiate sports.
Joan Cronan received the award in 2018 as the 52nd recipient.
One of the most influential leaders in collegiate athletics, Cronan is best known for her long and successful tenure at the University of Tennessee, where she served as Women’s Athletics Director from 1983 to 2012. During her leadership, Tennessee women’s teams won multiple NCAA national championships, including several basketball titles under legendary coach Pat Summitt, and captured dozens of Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships across numerous sports.
Cronan is widely recognized for her commitment to student-athlete development, academic achievement, and gender equity in athletics. Following her retirement as athletics director, she continues to serve as the Women’s Athletic Director Emeritus and remains active nationally in collegiate athletics leadership.
