Arizona Western Athletic Director Jerry Smith honored at NJCAA National Convention
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Arizona Western College Athletic Director Jerry Smith is named the 2026 NJCAA Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award for significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level. Smith was recognized with fellow winner Dr. Tim Drain from Tyler Junior College at this week's NJCAA National Convention in Kansas City Missouri. The award is given to those – most often not an athlete – who have made significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level for an extended period of time. The NJCAA Service Award is the most tenured honor handed out by the association.
"It was a tremendous honor to be in Kansas City to celebrate the career of Jerry Smith with his colleagues from across the nation. I am so proud of him," Arizona Western College President Dr. Daniel Corr said. "He has established a culture of excellence. The numbers don't lie, our student athletes excel on the field/court and in the classroom."
Dr. Corr also shares what Jerry Smith does on campus that sets him apart from many others.
"I've worked in higher ed for 34 years and Jerry Smith is the best Athletic Director I've ever encountered," Dr. Corr said. "He has a deep concern for our student-athletes and takes the time to get to know them personally. He also mentors and guides our coaches."
Smith work on campus isn't just noticed from the President's cabinet but also with those who work with him on a daily basis.
"Jerry has earned this recognition through the impact he has on people," Associate Sports Director and Head Volleyball Coach Lorayne Chandler said. "He works every day to ensure Arizona Western athletics makes a difference on campus and in the community. He leads by example, is committed to student-athletes, and creates opportunities for student-athletes and coaches to grow and succeed."
Bryan Doak, the Executive Vice President for Learning & Student Services adds that Jerry Smith is the kind of person this award was made for.
"What people who know Jerry will tell you, though, is that the numbers only tell part of the story," Doak said. "He leads quietly, shows up the same way every day, and cares about the people in this program. That consistency over nearly two decades is why this recognition makes so much sense and a well-deserved recognition."
Looking at the numbers Arizona Western athletics has complied under Smith includes more than 2,800 wins, 28 region championships and seven trips to the NJCAA National Championship game. The athletic department has consistently held a GPA above 3.2 and seen more than 300 student-athletes earn academic recognition from the NJCAA.
"That balance of competing at a high level while genuinely investing in student success is what has defined his tenure here," Doak said.
