FASS AWARD (FACULTY, ADMINISTRATOR STUDENT OR STAFF)
Dr. Mickey Burnim has been at the forefront of helping the Bowiie State and the CIAA become elite in NCAA Division II athletics.
Dr. Mickey L. Burnim was inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame as an administrator during the CIAA Basketball Tournament on Feb. 24 in Charlotte, N.C.
Dr. Burnim has been a staunch advocate of intercollegiate athletics who provided the blueprint for leadership in stewarding programs throughout the conference. Since his presidency began in 2006 the university’s athletic success has coincided with the improvements in the department’s leadership and the improvement of its facilities.
Bowie State has seen its athletic department infrastructure improve to become one the CIAA’s best. The football stadium has transitioned to include a state of the art field house with new locker rooms and lights allowing for teams to dress at the stadium and host high school and night games.
The school also built a new weight room which has improved the quality of athletic conditioning. A new world class track keeps them on pace.
Dr. Burnim’s fingerprints are on the improvements to the basketball arena as well. There have been upgrades to the facility, including air conditioning and office space for coaches and administrators. The Bulldogs won CIAA Basketball Championship in 2013 and 2017 and have become a powerhouse in football.
As chair of the CIAA Council of Presidents he was one of the leaders in helping grow its media presence through national TV and radio deals that are unprecedented in Division II.
He also helped the conference to navigate through the difficult transition after the surprise resignation of former Commissioner Leon Kerry in 2011. Facing a $1.7 million deficit and controversy following misappropriation of funds allegations he stabilized the conference. He oversaw the national search for Commissioner Jacqie Carpenter from the NCAA office.
“People who graduate have loyalty but its sports that brings them back to campus,” said Burnim. “Sports provides a window into university through which alumni can show support and express their pride”.
This year’s class of CIAA Hall of Fame inductees is one of the most noteworthy in its history. Among those joining Burnim in the 2017 class are former NFL running back Richard Huntley from Winston Salem State and Virginia Union’s Terry Davis who played in the NBA. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who played basketball for Clarence “Big House” Gaines at Winston Salem State, will also be inducted as a supporter.