The American Midwest Conference has named Jeff Rider of Williams Baptist University as the 2023-24 Bob Burchard American Midwest Conference Athletic Director of the Year.
The award is voted on by other athletic directors within the conference. Rider is now eligible for the NAIA National Athletics Director of the Year award, which will be given out in September during the NAIA National Awards Day.
“We are incredibly proud of Jeff’s remarkable achievements and contributions as both a coach and administrator at WBU,” said WBU President Dr. Stan Norman. “Being recognized by his peers is a tremendous honor, and we are deeply grateful for the significant advancements and successes in our athletic departments under his leadership.”
Rider, who transitioned out of the athletic director’s role this summer, oversaw one of the best seasons in recent history for the Eagles in 2023-24. The WBU men’s soccer team won its second straight AMC regular season title, while the Lady Eagles basketball team advanced to the NAIA tournament for the first time in school history.
The WBU softball team made a return trip to the AMC title game for the first time since 2016, and the baseball team won more than 30 games for the first time since 2001.
In addition to team accolades, Hugo Gill (soccer) and Madyson Shoebottom (softball) were each named NAIA Third-Team All-Americans after both players received player of the year honors in their respective sports. Emberlin Caldwell (softball) and Tevin Tate (men’s basketball) were each named freshman of the year in their sports. A total of 37 student-athletes earned all-conference accolades throughout the season.
“I have worked with Jeff for many years, and I can honestly say he is one of the best colleagues I’ve ever worked alongside,” said Carol Halford, Chair of the WBU Department of Health and Physical Education. “He is truly deserving of this award, and I know he takes great pride in it. We, as an institution, are also proud to see him recognized for his outstanding contributions.”
Off the field, Rider oversaw a banner year in the classroom with 101 student-athletes earning AMC Academic All-Conference recognition and 39 named Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
In his 18-year administrative career, Rider has seen 24 student-athletes garner 32 All-American honors.
This is the second time Rider has won the AMC Athletic Director of the Year award, with the first honor following the 2010-11 athletic year.
Rider has been the athletics director at WBU since 2006, and he coached the Eagles men’s basketball team from 1996 to 2011. He has recently moved into the role of Director of Athletic Eligibility & Retention at WBU.
WBU is a private, Christian university in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas