Hickory, N.C. – In honor of Dr. Wayne B. Powell, 11th President of Lenoir-Rhyne University who will retire on January 1, 2017, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has established an annual award for exceptional athletes.

Beginning in May 2017, the first Wayne B. Powell Student-Athlete Award of Excellence will be presented to one male and one female student-athlete.

Working in collaboration with the Athletic Department and athletic boosters, Dr. Powell has fostered a culture of excellence that allows the department to ascend to the level of national prominence, with 51 programs garnering conference titles while making 61 regional appearances, and finishing as the 2013 Football NCAA Division II National Championship Runners-Up.

Dr. Powell has emphasized development of the whole student to position graduates for success in their professional, personal, and spiritual lives. The recipients will embody excellence in academics, leadership, and athletics.

"President (Powell) has been instrumental in elevating Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics to the national level through his commitment to excellence as a point of emphasis for the student-athlete experience," said Kim Pate, Director of Athletics.

"Our goal is to carry on the (Dr. Wayne) Powell legacy of excellence by establishing this award to inspire all current and future Bears student-athletes to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives."

To be eligible for the Wayne B. Powell Student-Athlete Award of Excellence, the nominee must have competed in his or her primary sport representing Lenoir-Rhyne University for a minimum of two seasons of eligibility.

In addition, the nominee must have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (4.00 scale) and must have maintained good academic standing throughout their time enrolled at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

DR. WAYNE B. POWELL - STUDENT-ATHLETE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - CRITERIA