Albany State’s Kristine Kelly helps lead national discussion

Staff Reports

ALBANY — As college athletics continues to navigate one of the most transformative periods in its history, Albany State University Athletic Director Dr. Kristene Kelly is helping lead the conversation on a national stage.

Kelly was one of four Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference administrators selected to serve in leadership roles during the 61st Annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and Affiliates Convention, which concluded this week in Las Vegas.

The convention, held June 7-10 at the Mandalay Bay Resort, is the largest gathering of intercollegiate athletics administrators in the country and focuses on the most pressing issues facing college athletics.

Kelly, who has led Albany State athletics since July 2023, served as moderator for a featured session hosted by the Women of Color Athletic Administrators Network titled “Built for the Build: Women of Color Leading Through Transformation.”

The panel featured discussions on leadership, overcoming challenges and building successful programs in environments where resources are often limited and expectations remain high.

“I am honored to moderate this discussion because the stories represented on this panel reflect the experiences of many women of color in athletics,” Kelly said. “We have often been asked to lead, build and transform in environments where resources are limited and expectations are high. Throughout my career, I have learned that leadership is about having the courage to create what is possible, and I look forward to learning from these incredible women and sharing their insights with others.”

A native of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kelly brings more than two decades of experience across all three NCAA divisions. Since arriving at Albany State, she has focused on facility improvements, resource development and strengthening opportunities for student-athletes while fostering a culture centered on excellence and integrity.

Kelly was joined at the convention by three other SIAC administrators who were recognized for their contributions to collegiate athletics.

Tuskegee University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin received one of the highest honors presented during the convention, earning the 2025-26 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year Award.

Ruffin was one of just 28 athletic directors nationwide selected for the award and one of only four recipients from NCAA Division II institutions. He was also the lone honoree representing a Historically Black College and University.

“Receiving the NACDA Division II Athletics Director of the Year Award is truly a humbling honor,” Ruffin said. “While my name may be on the award, this recognition belongs to Tuskegee University, our student-athletes, coaches, staff, administration, Board of Trustees, alumni and supporters who believe in our vision.”

Clark Atlanta University’s Joseph Arnold also represented the SIAC as a featured speaker during two National Association for Athletics Compliance sessions. Arnold, the school’s deputy athletic director for compliance and sports administration, spoke on supporting coaches through transitions and addressing student-athlete mental health at smaller institutions.

“Having the opportunity to speak to peers and colleagues, grounded in your own perspective and experiences, especially in this rapidly changing landscape, is always a moment for reflection,” Arnold said.

Allen University’s Deslyn Haywood was honored as one of two recipients nationally of the 2026 NAAC Rising Star Award, which recognizes emerging leaders in athletics compliance.

Haywood played a key role in Allen’s transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II while overseeing eligibility, financial aid monitoring and student-athlete welfare initiatives.

The SIAC praised all four administrators for representing the conference on a national level and showcasing the leadership present throughout the league.

For Albany State, Kelly’s participation highlighted the growing influence of the Golden Rams beyond competition fields and courts.

As college athletics faces challenges ranging from NIL regulations and transfer portal issues to student-athlete welfare and leadership development, Kelly and her peers are helping shape the conversations that will influence the future of collegiate sports.