July 29, 2025
CLEVELAND – The NAIA Athletics Directors Association (NAIA-ADA) has selected Dr. Jesse Godding, director of athletics at Nelson University, to serve as President for the 2025-26 membership year.
"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve in a leadership role within the NAIA-ADA," said Godding. "The leadership capacity and vision of the NAIA-ADA Executive Committee, and the NAIA-ADA Board of Directors continues to inspire me as the incoming NAIA-ADA President. These individuals support education-based athletics with their time and energy in order to elevate the mission of the NAIA and NACDA in a collaborative, innovative manner. I look forward to activating the recently approved NAIA-ADA Strategic Plan and continuing to effectively support NAIA-ADA membership through education, communication, and informed responses to a changing administrative environment."
Godding takes the reins from Reagan Rossi, vice president of athletics at College of Idaho, who will transition to Immediate Past President. Serving alongside Godding will be: 1st Vice President Lucas Morgan, director of athletics at LSU-Shreveport; 2nd Vice President Pete Dryer, director of athletics at Arizona Christian University, and 3rd Vice President Tony Hoops, vice president for athletics at Northwestern College.
In addition to the Officers, the 2025-26 NAIA-ADA Board of Directors will include: ; Jil Harter, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (AMC); Christian Pope, Milligan University (AAC); Rob Harley, Simpson University (Cal Pac); Corey Anderson, Bushnell University (CCC); Mike Holmes, St. Ambrose University (CCAC); Ian Potter, Georgia Gwinnett (CAC); Chip Wilson, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Crossroads); Matt Stepan, Montana Tech (Frontier); Phil Hess, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (GSAC); Andy Bernatow, Mount Marty University (GPAC) Dr. Linda Bell, Dillard University (HBCUAC); Troy Plummer, Grand View University (Heart); Shawn Summe, Avila University (KCAC); Chris Kraftick, University of the Cumberlands (MSC); Tyler Unsicker, LSU-Alexandria (RRAC); T-Ray Fletcher, Oakland City University (RSC); Ricky Dotson, Texas Wesleyan University (SAC); Jaunelle White, Point University (SSAC); Drew Watson, Southeastern University (Sun); and Lonnie Pries, Cleary University (WHAC).
About NAIA-ADA: The NAIA-ADA is comprised of athletics administrators from the nearly 250 institutions representing 20 conferences competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The purpose of the NAIA-ADA is to engage our Athletics Directors with meaningful collaboration, forums and national recognition; empower our Athletics Directors in their professional development and leadership roles in the NAIA; and promote NAIA Athletics Directors' collective voice on issues affecting membership and college athletics on a national scale. For more information about the NAIA-ADA, please visit www.naiaada.com. The NAIA-ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
