CLEVELAND – The Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) has selected President Jenn Bell, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at Converse University, to serve as President for the 2026-27 membership year.
 
"Taking on the role of President for the D2 ADA is a privilege I don't take lightly," said Bell. "Nearly my entire career has been spent in Division II, and I'm grateful for the chance to give back to an association that's meant so much to me. Our division is navigating an important and pivotal time, and I look forward to working alongside our Board, officers, and colleagues across the country to keep Division II moving in the right direction."
 
Bell enters her ninth year as the Director of Athletics during the 2026-27 academic year. Under Bell's leadership, the Converse Athletics department won the Male Joby Hawn Cup for the 2024-2025 academic year. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the Converse Athletic Department won the Dr. Alan Patterson Body, Mind & Soul Award. Last year alone, the Converse Athletic Department excelled both on and off the field. The Valkyries claimed five total conference championships, two NCAA Tournament Appearances, six All-Americans, 41 First Team All-Conference selections, 42 Second Team All-Conference selections, 48 Third Team All-Conference selections, two CSC Academic All-Americans, two Conference Carolinas Elite 23 Award winners, three Conference Carolinas Scholar-Athlete of the Year winners and 84 Academic All-Conference selections. To read Bell's full bio click here.
 
Bell takes over for Past President, Traci Murphy, director of athletics at Daemen University. Serving alongside Bell will be:
 
•            1st Vice President Lisa Goddard McGuirk, director of athletics at Fort Hays State University;
•            2nd Vice President Michael Bazemore, director of athletics at MSU Billings; and
•            3rd Vice President Bert Epting, vice president for university relations, athletics, and strategic academic performance programs at Anderson University.
 
D2 ADA welcomes two new directors of athletics to the 2026-27 Board of Directors:
 
•            Jim Sarra, St. Edward's University (LSC)
•            Cade Smith, University of Alabama Huntsville (GSC)
 
The remainder of the 2026-27 D2 ADA Board of Directors consists of:
 
•            Keith Baxter, Southeastern Oklahoma State University (GAC) – 2nd Term
•            Terry Beattie, West Chester University (PSAC)
•            Tom Buning, Chaminade University (PacWest)
•            Mark Corino, Caldwell University (CACC)
•            Anthony Francis, McKendree University (GLVC) – 2nd Term
•            Ona Halladay, D'Youville University (ECC)
•            Matt Howdeshell, University of Central Missouri (MIAA)
•            Allison Kern, Cal State East Bay (CCAA)
•            Al King, Ashland (GMAC) – 2nd Term
•            Kathy Kroupa, Lynn University (SSC)
•            Britt Lauritsen, Bemidji State University (NSIC) – 2nd Term
•            Paul Lowden, Davenport University (GLIAC) – 2nd Term
•            Tony O'Neal, Claflin University (CIAA)
•            Jermaine Rolle, Clayton State University (PBC)
•            Todd Thurman, MSU Denver (RMAC)
•            Vaughn Williams, Bentley University (NE10)
 
About D2 ADA:
The D2 ADA is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities; enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics; and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of Division II athletics directors. For more information about the D2 ADA, please visit www.div2ada.com. The D2 ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 60^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.  
 
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