Burkman to Receive Lee McKinney Award
Roger Burkman has been named the 2022 recipient of the Lee McKinney Distinguished Service Award, as bestowed by the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Burkman is retiring after 17 years of leading the Spalding University athletic department; helping them transition from NAIA to NCAA. Over that time Burkman saw the athletic programs grow to 18 and spearheaded a $7 million athletic field complex and a $1.4 million renovation of the Columbia Gym Building. The growth of the school and athletic department coincided with the success of the programs as well.
"It has been an honor to work alongside Roger for the past 10 years," said Spalding University Assistant Athletic Director for Communications Brian Clinard. "His passion for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience is unparalleled. Roger embodies what it is to be a leader in higher education and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Lee McKinney SLIAC Distinguished Service Award."
With Burkman as Athletic Director, Spalding programs won 24 conference championships, four United States Collegiate Athletic Association national championships, and qualified for NCAA Division III national tournament twice. Burkman also worked with the Louisville Sports Commission to bring three NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships to the Louisville community and spent time on the SLIAC Administrative Council.
"The past 17 exciting years have flown. I have had the absolute honor to work with Roger Burkman, an incredible friend, and colleague," said Spalding University Associate Athletic Director Lisa Bash-DeFrees. "It was a no-brainer to nominate him for the Lee McKinney SLIAC Distinguished Service Award. Roger embodies the qualities of perseverance, faith, compassion, service, and leadership. He has moved mountains by growing our Athletics Department from the NAIA to NCAA Division III, sponsoring 18 sports, and raising community support to build our new Athletics Field Complex. We have all learned so much from him over the years!! Lee McKinney would put his stamp on this nomination and be proud to present him with this honor."
Burkman has a long history of working in academics and athletics, spending the prior 11 years before Spalding at Trinity High School. He was a member of the 1980 University of Louisville NCAA Men's Basketball Championship team and played professionally with the NBA Chicago Bulls and CBA Anchorage Knights.
The Lee McKinney SLIAC Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to the individual that has served or competed in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, service, and perseverance displayed by longtime Fontbonne University director of athletics, Lee McKinney.
- #SLIACtion -
