The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has long celebrated excellence in competition, academics, and leadership among its student-athletes. To further recognize the important role faculty play in the student-athlete experience, the GLIAC and its Faculty Athletic Representatives, spearheaded by Dr. Jon Coles of Grand Valley State, collaborated to create the annual GLIAC Faculty of the Year Award.
This recognition honors outstanding faculty members from each member institution who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student-athletes while embodying the values of Division II athletics.
The award celebrates the essential connection between academics and athletics and the faculty members who help student-athletes succeed in both areas. By recognizing faculty leaders across the conference, the GLIAC reinforces what makes Division II distinctive—developing champions of character, scholarship, and service.
Dr. Lori Huckaby
Davenport University
Dr. Lori Huckaby, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, has been selected as Davenport's submission for GLIAC Faculty Member of the Year, recognizing her outstanding commitment to academic excellence, student success, and leadership within the university community.
A respected educator and mentor, Dr. Huckaby is known for creating engaging learning environments that connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences. Her dedication to student development has earned praise from both colleagues and students alike.
"Dr. Huckaby is consistently recognized for creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment," said Department Chair Dr. Todd Terry. "Students value her strong communication, responsiveness, and genuine care for their success. Her ability to connect course material to real-world applications—especially through hands-on and sports-related examples—enhances understanding and enjoyment. She is praised for being flexible, approachable, and highly effective in guiding students through challenges. Overall, her well-structured courses, balanced workload, and enthusiastic teaching style make her an outstanding and impactful instructor."
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Huckaby has expanded her involvement in collegiate athletics and experiential learning opportunities. This year, she joined Davenport's Compliance Committee, gaining a comprehensive understanding of student-athlete eligibility processes and NCAA compliance. She is also leading efforts to establish a future Study Abroad program in Europe, which will provide students with firsthand exposure to the global sport business industry. Additionally, she serves as Director of the Davenport University Sport Management Advisory Board.
Student feedback from the 2025-26 academic year further highlights the lasting impact of Dr. Huckaby's teaching and mentorship.
"The teacher effectively communicated with everyone throughout the course of the class," one student shared. "Lori Huckaby put the class in a good learning environment, and I feel like she is a major reason that the class went so smoothly for my classmates and me."
Another student noted, "Our instructor did a great job relating things to sports, which made it easy for me to understand."
Additional student comments praised Dr. Huckaby's engaging teaching style, responsiveness, and dedication to helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
"Professor Huckaby is awesome! This is the second class I've had with her and she's a great teacher," wrote one student, while another added, "It was clear that Professor Huckaby cares about her students."
Dr. Huckaby's commitment to fostering student success through innovative teaching, meaningful mentorship, and service to the university sets her apart. Her passion for education and ability to create transformative learning experiences continue to make a lasting impact on the Davenport community.
David McCall, Ed.D.
Ferris State University
David McCall, Ed.D., is a Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Ferris State University and a dedicated advocate for student success. A proud Ferris alumnus and first-generation college
graduate, Dr. McCall has built his career around mentoring students, fostering engagement, and helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. He also serves as Chair of the Ferris State University Athletic Advisory Committee and as the Academic Senate representative, strengthening collaboration between faculty and athletics while supporting the academic success and overall well-being of student-athletes. Through his teaching, leadership, and service, Dr. McCall exemplifies the Division II philosophy of “Life in the Balance” and the GLIAC’s commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
Thomas J. Haas
Grand Valley State University
Professor Haas is the inaugural recipient of the GVSU Athletics Faculty of the Year Award. Moving forward, the annual award will be known as the Haas Athletics Faculty of the Year Award. Haas serves as an adjunct professor teaching Leadership and Social Change as well as Behavioral, Organizational, and Ethical Decision Making. However, he is most known as T. Haas, Grand Valley State’s fourth president.
During his tenure, Grand Valley added 30 undergraduate programs and 16 graduate programs during his tenure. In addition, GVSU opened the Detroit Center, added 2.5 million square feet in buildings and he positioned the university as a leader in sustainability with 21 LEED silver, gold or platinum buildings.
Haas was also a staunch supporter of Grand Valley State athletics and was a frequent attendee at all Laker athletic events. During his time as President from 2006 – 2019, GVSU won 19 NCAA Division II team National Championships and 10 Directors' Cup titles as the top overall D2 athletics' department in the country. He also served as the Vice Chair of Division II athletics at the NCAA level.
"Thomas J. Haas is a true Laker legend and honoring him as our inaugural Faculty of the Year was an easy choice," said GVSU Director of Athletics Keri Becker. "In his 13 years as President, he led GVSU to unprecedented success. There are few individuals who have made a bigger impact on Laker Athletics than T Haas."
Dr. Mario Vassallo
Wayne State University
On behalf of the Wayne State University Athletic Department and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Dr. Vassallo has been selected as this year's recipient of the Wayne State SAAC Faculty of the Year Award. This recognition reflects the genuine admiration and deep appreciation that our student-athletes have for Dr. Vassallo, and it is a distinction that is wholly deserved!
In his nomination, students cited his open-door policy and personable approach that have created something rare and valuable: a space where student-athletes feel genuinely safe to seek support, not only on academic matters, but on the full range of challenges that come with balancing the demands of athletics, coursework, and personal growth. Students appreciated his willingness to meet each student where they are, with empathy and without judgment, and that quality of presence is not something that can be taught. It is a reflection of his character and his commitment to building relationships that help students grow.
At the same time, Dr. Vassallo's commitment to academic excellence is unmistakable. His thorough, in-depth approach to teaching ensures that every concept is fully understood, and his consistent availability during office hours accommodating the demanding schedules that student-athletes navigate. This speaks to a level of dedication that his students do not take for granted. He holds his students to high standards while giving them every tool and opportunity to meet them. The combination of his kind pedagogy, mentorship, and thoughtful instruction makes him an invaluable part of our community and an exceptional advocate for student-athlete success.
