General | 9/25/2023 3:56:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Sept. 25, 2023) – This year marks the 50th anniversary of Division II. As a part of the anniversary celebration, the NCAA will present the Gold Award to two individuals.

According to the NCAA, "this award…will recognize two individuals (one individual who identifies as male and one who identifies as female) who have made a positive impact in Division II. The nominees include current and former student-athletes, coaches, faculty members and administrators from active member schools and conferences who have helped shape Division II over time."

Division II member institutions had the opportunity to nominate one male and one female. Next, conference offices will review the nominated individuals and select two winners to represent their conference by Nov. 6. Finally, the NCAA Division II Management Council Identity Subcommittee will select two overall winners from the conference finalists. The winners will be recognized at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.

For this award, Texas Woman's nominated Jo Kuhn. Kuhn, former TWU Director of Athletics, TWU Hall of Fame and LSC Hall of Honor member, led TWU into historical membership in the Lone Star Conference and Division II. Additionally, she spearheaded changes in Division II ruling and legislation, which still remain in place today. 

"The nominees reflect the considerable impact so many individuals have had on intercollegiate athletics over the years but also the pride the Division II membership demonstrates consistently in providing the experiences that enable young people to make a positive difference in the world," said Terri Steeb Gronau, vice president of Division II, from the NCAA release. 

The full list of nominees can be viewed here.