Oklahoma City – For the fourth time in his career, Nelson University Director of Athletics Dr. Jesse Godding has been named the Sooner Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year as voted on by his peers.
 
The Sooner Athletic Conference’s ADOY recognizes an outstanding athletics administrator based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of administration and service. Those considered have notable achievements in various areas of athletics administration, including budget development, staff development, facility development, student-athlete academic achievement, Champions of Character efforts, team success, and service to the conference and the NAIA.
 
Winners of each conference ADOY are then sent to the NAIA-ADA (Athletics Directors Association) Awards Committee for selection of the national award winner. The national winner will be recognized in conjunction with the NAIA National Awards Day in September.
 
“Jesse is very deserving of this honor,” stated SAC Commissioner John Martin. “Year after year, Jesse provides invaluable leadership to Nelson University and the Sooner Athletic Conference, consistently modeling the NAIA Core Value of servant leadership.”  
 
Dr. Godding is entering his 14^th year as the Director of Athletics at Nelson and has seen the athletic department grow from seven sports to 15 sports and over 450 student-athletes. Godding has also aided the university in adding or renovating many facilities, including a new Olympic-style track and field facility.
 
Dr. Godding is also very involved in the SAC as a member of the Executive and Governance Committee, while also serving as the Football AD liaison and is the SAC representative to the NAIA Athletic Directors Association.
 
On the national level, Dr. Godding has been a major part of the NAIA National Administrative Council and is a member of the NAIA Football Playoff selection committee. Godding was also recently named the President of the NAIA ADA for the 2025-26 school year.