MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Stillman College's Denise Moody was named the Dr. Ronald Melton Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year by the Southern States Athletic Conference on June 4 at the SSAC summer meetings.
Moody will now serve as the SSAC's nominee for the NAIA national Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year.
"This was a surprise. When I got to step into the role as faculty athletics rep at Stillman College it was overwhelming, but the ladies I worked with and the other FARs I worked with made me realize, 'Oh, I can do this. It's awesome! It's amazing!'" Moody told those in attendance at the banquet.
She added the relationship with student-athletes is what is rewarding in the job, especially when alumni return to visit.
Moody began teaching as a kinesiology professor at Stillman College in 2014 and became the Tigers faculty athletics representative following the transition to the NAIA. Shortly after moving into the role, Stillman moved into the Southern States Athletic Conference.
During her tenure, she has worked alongside two different athletic directors and has worked through changes in compliance and changes in her academic department, but pressed on to strengthen Stillman's process.
"With so many changes and challenges, Coach Moody adapted and assisted in whatever way she could. There were a lot of long nights and early mornings, but I never heard her complain," said Ashley Curry, associate AD. "Moody is a person who will go above and beyond for our students and she never looks for any type of accolades. Her passion to see young people succeed and reach their goals academically and athletically is her 'why.'"
Athletics Director Terrance Whittle echoed Curry. "Ms. Moody has not only balanced additional institutional work responsibilities, but has remained a constant source for student-athletes to go to when they need assistance."
Moody is Stillman's first Dr. Ronald Melton FAR of the Year by the SSAC. The award is named for the former Brewton-Parker College faculty athletics representative, who served in his role for 40 years in addition to chairing the SSAC eligibility committee.
