The University of St. Thomas compliance department was recognized on May 5 by the National Association for Athletics Compliance with the NAAC Small Compliance Office Award. Associate Athletics Director for Compliance Andrew Nelson and Assistant Director of Compliance Kaylee Hentges were named recipients and will be honored at the NAAC Convention in early June.
The award is presented annually to a compliance office with no more than one to three staff members, including graduate assistants, that demonstrates an outstanding level of commitment and dedication to athletics compliance work.
Nelson and Hentges led St. Thomas through its transition from Division III to Division I, overseeing one of the most complex mid-major sport profiles while helping the department adapt to new rules and governance structures. Their work included guiding St. Thomas through NCAA and conference requirements, mastering regulations across four different conferences, and providing educational training tailored for all teams.
NAAC serves as a professional association for compliance administrators in collegiate athletics. The organization is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which manages multiple professional associations and foundations related to college sports.
Nelson and Hentges’ recognition highlights their efforts during a significant period of change for St. Thomas athletics.
