SEWARD, Neb. – For the second time in five years, Concordia University, Nebraska’s Devin Smith has been honored as an Athletics Director of the Year Award winner by the National Association of Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Smith is a 1987 graduate of Anselmo-Merna high school. Smith was announced by NACDA as one of the 28 honorees for 2024-25 on Monday (March 17). The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions and JuniorCollege/Community Colleges). Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 60th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., on June 10.
The ADOY Award highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their surrounding communities. Smith is one of four athletics directors from the NAIA level to earn the ADOY Award for the 2024-25 athletic year.
Smith has served as Director of Athletics at his alma mater since June of 2010 and has led Concordia Athletics to new heights both within the Great Plains Athletic Conference and nationally. A former Bulldog Basketball student-athlete, Smith has twice been named an Athletics Director of the Year honoree by NACDA. He is also a three-time winner of the GPAC Athletics Director of the Year award (2015, 2020 and 2024).
Anselmo-Merna graduate Ryan Province is headed to Logan View. Province is a 2005 alum and has spent the last six years as the AD at Shelton High School. Province earned his Bachelor’s degree through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Master’s degree in educational administration through Chadron State College. Province will serve as the new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Logan View schools.
