Ohio University Center for Sports Administration announces Dr. Andrew Kreuzer ('80) as the 2014 recipient of the Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus award.
"It is more than an honor to be selected as the 2014 Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus recipient," Kreutzer said. "I have spent thirty-four years in the company of so many wonderful people, all a result of my association with our program. It is humbling to be considered with those graduates who have been honored in the past, and I look forward my opportunity to thank everyone at Symposium next May."
Andy arrived in Athens in 1979 to complete his Master in Sports Administration degree, finishing up in 1980. He then remained on campus until 1983 to work on his PhD.
From there, Doc K went on to become the Director of Athletic Management and Finance at Mankato State in Minnesota. Opting for warmer temperatures, Doc K then went to St. Thomas University in Miami, Fla. as the Director of Athletics and Sports Administration from 1984-86. In 1986, he transitioned into the academic side, seconding the Director of Business within the academic administration.
He remained at St. Thomas before coming back to Athens in 1995 to serve as the Coordinator of Sports Administration at Ohio University. During his 10 years leading the program, Doc K helped build the undergraduate sports management program and continue to grow the graduate program into what it is today. He was responsible for developing a partnership with the College of Business that led to the MBA/MSA dual degree program beginning in 2002.
When Jim Kahler became the Executive Director of the Center for Sports Administration in 2005, Andy went back into the faculty as a full-time instructor. He most recently served as the Chair of the Department of Sports Administration in 2012-13.
"I have known Andy for over 30 years now and am very appreciative of everything that he has done for the Sports Administration Program and for the mentorship that he has provided me over the years," Kahler said. "Under his leadership our graduate program expanded into the dual MBA/MSA degree and the creation of an academic center of excellence became a reality when we opened the Center for Sports Administration in December of 2005."
The Charles R. Higgins Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to a graduate of the Ohio University Sports Administration program that has positively impacted the sports industry and the lives of others around them.
The award was founded in 1982 after the graduate program had been in existence for 15 years. Because many program graduates were already making a significant mark in the sport industry at this time, the faculty and administrators wanted to recognize these achievements. The award was created to specifically recognize those graduates who were making a noteworthy contribution to the sport industry through professional achievement, as well as making a notable contribution back to the program. The first recipient of the award was Andy Dolich from the class of 1971.
The award not only recognizes a standout graduate, but it helps to showcase the OU SAFM graduate program, and demonstrate the caliber of the students. In addition, the award recognizes Dr. Charles Higgins, program director from 1977-1994 and current professor emeritus.
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is officially presented to the honoree during Symposium weekend held each spring at Ohio University. Along with a variety of events held for the alumni and current students, the weekend is closed out with a keynote speech by the distinguished alumnus.
Quotes from Faculty and Staff:
Doc Higgins: "This whole program is a family, but Andy, his wife, and his kids have always been especially close to my family. Andy was always an integral part of this very special program. I couldn't have thought of a better person to take over the program when I retired, and we will all miss him dearly."
Tedrow: "Dr. Kreutzer – excellence, distinction, eminent, dignified in conduct and appearance, making someone seem important and worth respect, humor and friend – these are the many words that describe him. I couldn’t think of a better individual to honor with the Charles R Higgins Distinguished Alumnus award for 2014."
Dr. Lawrence-Benedict: "Doc K has been a second father and mentor to me and hundreds of others throughout his tenure at Ohio University. He and Barbara will always be part of what we do in the Department of Sports Administration and they set an example for all of us on a daily basis. As much as I would selfishly love to talk Andy out of retirement somehow, I know he is ready for new adventures. Fish beware! He is coming for you! There are few people in the history of our program that have had the positive impact on others that he has and he exemplifies this award."
Dr. Pfahl: Dr. Kreutzer understands that people are the heart and soul of sport, and more broadly, life. The Department of Sports Administration puts people first and teaches and works with students to do the same as they grow as sport professionals. His approach to life permeates all we do and was driven, not by personal gain for him, but by a caring and admiration for his own work and that of the people with whom he worked. He is authentic, he is friendly, and he is a vital element in the work, in the past and today, of the Department of Sports Administration at Ohio University.
Dr. Ridpath: “I was so delighted to hear that my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Andy Kreutzer was named the 2014 Sports Administration Distinguished Alumnus. I can think of no one more deserving and no better send off for a person who has devoted the better part of his life to this program as a student, administrator, and director. Andy’s tireless dedication to this program, the development of the MBA component, and enacting dramatic improvements to the undergrad program are just some of the reasons we can say we are the best in the world—and we have Andy Kreutzer to thank for that! We wish Barbara and Andy the best in retirement, but it just will not be the without him around every day. He will be missed.”
Iglesias: "I was in the program when Doc Higgins retired. For those of us that were around those days, we remember quite vividly the cloud of uncertainty that hung over this program as we went through the difficult process of replacing a legend. Emerging from those days of doubt was a leader from our family that took over the controls of the future of our program and guided us forward. I say without any reservation that if it were not for Andy Kreutzer's loyalty and leadership we would not be where we are today as the world's leading institution in Sports Administration."
Moran: "Dr. Kreutzer is the Ohio University Sports Ad family. Not only is he the literal link in leadership between Doc (Higgins) and Jim (Kahler) but his personality, intelligence and charisma have always been a big factor in attracting and retaining relationships with talented people that become family. We will miss his everyday presence and leadership, but Dr. Kreutzer’s influence will be felt as long as the program endures."
