General | 7/6/2026 12:00:00 PM

OXFORD, Ohio -- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of WVU Tech's Kenny Howell as the 2025-26 River States Conference Athletic Director of the Year. Howell, who has been the full-time WVU Tech Director of Athletics since 2013, has spent more than two decades in Beckley. He earns the award for the second time, winning also following the 2019-20 school year.

In addition to a strong school year from the Golden Bears, which included a trip to the national championship match in men's soccer, Howell played a critical role in the operation of the River States Conference. Howell took on a role on the financial side of the conference office, particularly assisting with conference budgeting, billing, and other operational matters that have been critical to maintaining stability and continuity. Howell ensured a smooth transition following the passing of Michael Schell, through the interim leadership of Ron Prettyman, and into the new administration of T-Ray Fletcher.

In his nomination materials, an athletic director from another member school spotlighted the selfless work of Howell, both within his school and for the greater good of the River States Conference.

"Kenny’s leadership has been steady, dependable, and invaluable during a difficult time," the athletic director wrote. "He consistently demonstrates the qualities that define an exceptional athletic director: integrity, collaboration, dedication, and a team-first mindset; his efforts have not only helped the conference continue moving forward, but they have also set an example for others through his servant leadership."

A member of the Golden Bears' athletic department said Howell's greatest strength lies not in administration, but in the way he leads and serves those around him.

"What truly sets Howell apart is his servant leadership; he is the type of athletic director who will assist wherever needed, whether helping at a conference championship event, supporting game day operations, solving unexpected challenges behind the scenes or simply being present for his coaches and student-athletes," the WVU Tech staffer wrote. "He leads with humility, communicates openly and consistently places the success of others ahead of his own; his focus extends beyond wins and losses, emphasizing academic achievement, personal growth and creating an environment where students can thrive."

YEAR BY YEAR -- RSC/KIAC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
2003-04 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2004-05 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2005-06 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2006-07 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2007-08 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2008-09 -- Pat Mrozowski, Indiana University Southeast
2009-10 -- Jill Jokerst, St. Louis College of Pharmacy
2010-11 -- Wendy Hoffman, Midway College
2011-12 -- Pat Mrozowski, Brescia University
2012-13 -- Joe Glover, Indiana University Southeast
2013-14 -- Dan Swalga, Point Park University
2014-15 -- Jeff Lanham, University of Rio Grande
2015-16 -- Mark Perdue, Asbury University
2016-17 -- Rusty Kennedy, Midway University
2017-18 -- Joe Glover, Indiana University Southeast
2018-19 -- Greg Cooper, Indiana University Kokomo
2019-20 – Kenny Howell, WVU Tech
2020-21 -- Dave Bireline, Ohio Christian University
2021-22 -- Rusty Kennedy, Midway University
2022-23 -- Ron Prettyman, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
2023-24 -- Amanda Dailey-Weaver, Indiana University Southeast
2024-25 -- Zach McClellan, Indiana University Columbus
2025-26 -- Kenny Howell, WVU Tech