EIU Media Relations

EIU's Dwight Rutledge receives NAAC's Emerging Leader Award

This information was shared by The National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC).

(CLEVELAND) - The National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC) has announced its 2026 award winners who will be recognized in person during the 2026 NAAC Convention taking place at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV, June 7-10. The following individuals will be honored:

• Frank Kara Leadership Award – Ellen Ferris, American Conference

• Rising Star Award – Deslyn Haywood, Allen | Maggie Peters, Princeton

• Emerging Leader Award – Alexis Anderson, Ferrum | Dwight Rutledge, Eastern Illinois

• Small Office Award – University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)

• Division II Excellence Award – Alycia Grieco, West Florida

"We are proud to recognize the exceptional group of 2026 NAAC Award winners! Their dedication, leadership, and impact continue to elevate our profession, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the 2026 NAAC Convention," said Hannah Delph, Membership and Awards Committee Chair and Assistant AD for Compliance at USF. "The NAAC Board and Awards Committee also sincerely thank our members for submitting such outstanding and well-deserved nominations."

EIU's Dwight Rutledge is one of the award recipients, being recognized for being an Emerging Leader Award recipient.

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes and celebrates compliance professionals with 6-10 years of experience who are emerging leaders within the compliance profession. 

• Dwight Rutledge, assistant AD for compliance at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), returned for his second stint at the university in September 2024, after previously serving as a graduate assistant in the compliance office during 2015-16. Prior to his current role, he served as associate AD for compliance at Knox College, while bringing additional experience from roles at UIC, Western Illinois University, Upper Iowa University, Morehead State University, and University of West Florida. Rutledge earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University (2014) and a master's degree from EIU (2016). He is widely respected for his strong knowledge of NCAA legislation, calm and solutions-oriented approach, and commitment to supporting both staff and student-athletes. He is also recognized as a strong mentor who invests in the development of others, helping colleagues build confidence and competence through patient, clear guidance.

About NAAC: NAAC serves as the professional and educational association of compliance administrators. For more information on NAAC, please visit www.naaccompliance.com. NAAC is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61^st year. For more information on NACDA, the 19 professional associations, and/or four foundations it manages, please visit www.nacda.com.