CLEVELAND – FIU Athletics' Dr. Kevin D. Kendrick has been named the Frank Kara Leadership Award recipient for 2025, National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC) officials announced on Tuesday.
 
The Frank Kara Leadership Award is NAAC's premier award and is the highest honor that may be bestowed upon compliance professionals. Kendrick currently serves as FIU's Senior Associate AD for Compliance and is also the Football Sport Administrator.
 
Kendrick will be presented with the award on June 9 as part of the 2025 NAAC Convention taking place at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando.
 
Kendrick began his tenure at FIU in January 2020 as the Associate AD for Compliance and was elevated to his current role in November 2021. Kendrick has more than 15 years of leadership experience across compliance, fundraising, strategic planning and sport administration.
 
In his role at FIU, he drives organizational success by cultivating strong relationships with donors, alumni and corporate partners, while championing the academic and athletic success of student-athletes. Additionally, he ensures compliance with relevant legislation and governance policies, promoting ethical practices and effective oversight across all initiatives.
 
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kendrick is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of compliance professionals. He played an active role with the Athletic Compliance Elite (ACE) Class of 2018 and has served on several NAAC committees, consistently striving to elevate his peers and promote compliance excellence across the field. As a positive role model, he is committed to contributing to the continued growth and success of collegiate athletics.
 
The Frank Kara Leadership Award, given annually, is named in honor of former University of Minnesota Director of Compliance Frank Kara who was a leader in the compliance field and best known for hosting the inaugural NAAC Workshop in 2006. Sadly, Frank lost his battle with cancer at the age of 40.
 
Hannah Delph, NAAC membership and awards committee chair and Assistant AD for Compliance at USF, had the following to say in recognition of NAAC's 2025 award winners:
 
"We are thrilled to honor this year's outstanding slate of NAAC Award winners! Their commitment and impact have truly elevated our profession, and we can't wait to celebrate their achievements at the 2025 NAAC Convention. The NAAC Board and Awards Committee also extend our heartfelt thanks to the membership for submitting such thoughtful and deserving nominations."
 
Below is the complete list of NAAC award winners for 2025:

• Frank Kara Leadership Award: Dr. Kevin D. Kendrick (FIU)
• Rising Star Award: Marisa Brisbane (Maryland) and Dionne McCollum (Claflin)
• Emerging Leader Award: Will Aloia (Connecticut) and Becky Clark (Eckerd)
• Small Office Award: Arkansas State (Sun Belt Conference)  
• Division-II Excellence Award: Joseph Arnold (Clark Atlanta)

ABOUT NAAC
NAAC serves as the professional and educational association of compliance administrators. For more information on NAAC, please visit naaccompliance.com. NAAC is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 58th year. For more information on NACDA, the 18 professional associations, and/or four foundations it manages, please visit nacda.com.
 
SUPPORT FIU ATHLETICS
Financial support has never been more imperative in intercollegiate athletics than it is now. Please enhance our student-athlete experience by giving them the resources needed to succeed by purchasing tickets and becoming a Panther Club member.
 
FOLLOW US
Get all the latest news, statistics and updates on FIU Athletics by visiting FIUSports.com, and engage with the Panthers on social media at X/Twitter (@FIUAthletics), Instagram (@FIUAthletics) and Facebook (@FIUAthletics).