INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Midwest Athletic Conference was proud to reveal Malone University’s Dr. Beth Clark-Thomas as the recipient of the 2019-20 Faculty Mentor of the Year award winner on Wednesday afternoon.
 
This is the seventh announcement of the conference award since its inception during the 2013-14 academic year. Nominees were brought forward and voted upon by institutional Great Midwest Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) groups.
 
Dr. Clark-Thomas will also be on the ballot for consideration at the NCAA level for the Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award as selected by the National Division II SAAC. That award will be presented at the 2021 NCAA Convention scheduled to be held January in Washington, D.C.
 
This is Malone’s first time receiving the award since joining the Great Midwest as a full member institution in the 2016-17 academic year.
 
“A student-athlete contributes immeasurably to the overall culture of a university community,” said Clark-Thomas. “I consider it a privilege to support all student-athletes in the pursuit of their passion and their purpose, both on and off their field of play. I am humbled by this honor and am grateful for the opportunity to serve the incredible student-athletes at Malone University.”
 
Dr. Clark-Thomas is the current Dean of Retention and Student Success at Malone while serving as a tireless advocate for the partnership between college athletics and academics. She was a former professor in the Education department while serving the institution since 1995.
 
“CT” as she is affectionately known throughout campus, earned the distinguished Great Midwest honor amongst her peers in a close vote, but not without precedent, after also receiving the Pioneer Service Award at the Malone Sports Awards earlier this spring.  
 
Malone Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Steve Wirick is an active participant in the conference as a member of the Great Midwest Joint Council and noted her significant impact.
 
“CT truly has a servant’s heart and a passion to get involved and make sure our students succeed,” he praised. “Her unwavering advocacy for student-athletes and infectious positivity is on display 24/7. She understands the role of athletics in higher education and works to build strong roots in our student-athletes to ensure success long after their sports careers have faded.”
 
Recent Malone volleyball graduates and twin sisters, Faith and Sierra Lau, also recognized CT’s contributions as a volunteer mentor to the program. They endorsed her as supportive, approachable and invested, while still helping establish a strong drive and work ethic.
 
“Personally, we always knew we could go to her if we were struggling in classes and volleyball, and we know many other student-athletes felt the same,” said Sierra, a defensive specialist. “She always found a way to bright other’s days with humor and a bright smile, but most importantly, she was never afraid to share that Jesus is the foundation of her hope, purpose and passion in life.”
 
“CT would always find a way to be honest and tell you what you needed to hear, without discouraging you or making you feel defeated,” added Faith, an outside hitter who was second on the team in kills per set for 2019.
 
In the local community, CT recently helped launch a program called “Stepping Off to College” with the Canton City School district where high school seniors were equipped with laptop computers and a clothing voucher in order to dress for success. Another notable event she organizes is “Jammin’ for Jammies,” an annual learning opportunity that draws hundreds of local area children to Malone’s campus.
 
Malone women’s golf coach Bill Eddins lauded the respect Dr. Clark-Thomas has earned from her colleagues and emphasized that she ‘epitomizes the best that a Malone faculty and staff member has to offer.’
 
The Great Midwest Faculty Mentor of the Year is annually chosen based on representation of the NCAA Division II core values, mentorship with student-athletes and a strong commitment to helping student-athletes excel in future endeavors following the conclusion of their athletic careers.
 
Other finalists by SAAC for the 2019-20 Great Midwest Faculty Mentor of the Year award included Dr. Amanda Curtis (Lake Erie College), Tonia Duncan (Tiffin University), Dr. Jim Flarity (Kentucky Wesleyan College), Sister Rosaria Perna (Ursuline College), Nancy Ritchie (Cedarville University) and Christopher White (University of Findlay).