By Dave Caldwell
TMU Sports Information Director
Senior Associate Athletic Director Steve Waldeck of The Master’s University has been named the NAIA’s Charles Morris Administrator of the Year. The official announcement was made Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri, headquarters of the NAIA.
According to the announcement, the honor, which was created in memory of former NAIA Associate Executive Director Charles Morris, recognizes an NAIA member who has made significant contributions as an administrator of intercollegiate athletics, while also exemplifying the loyalty and enthusiasm that Morris had for the association.
“Waldeck just completed his 11th year as an athletic administrator (at TMU),” the announcement states. “His peers see his hard work and dedication to the university and his accolades reflect that. Waldeck was selected as the Golden State Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year in both 2015-16 and 2016-17. He currently represents the GSAC on the National Administrative Council, which establishes policies and procedures for the NAIA. His other involvement includes serving on the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship selection committee.”
“It’s been a privilege to work back at my alma mater,” Waldeck said. “I don’t know how many people get to say they do that. Ultimately, any award like this doesn’t compare to any reward the Lord would give to us for our actions being pleasing in His sight, and that’s really been my motivation in my 30 years in higher education. My motivation has always been for that audience of one and to please the Lord and not man. And with work and effort, we leave outcomes up to Him. So the fact that others noticed is just a bonus.”
The Master’s University has continued a tradition of quality athletics under Waldeck’s leadership. In 2015-16, the Mustangs achieved their program’s best Director’s Cup standing by finishing 24th, garnering a position in the top 10% of NAIA athletic programs. The Mustangs’ five best years of Director’s Cup finishes have each occurred during Waldeck’s tenure.
During the past year, he took on an increased role with compliance and eligibility, with the change to a brand-new faculty athletic representative and a new registrar on campus in the same year. He was very involved in the training and partnering with the FAR to bring him up to speed. At TMU, he is involved in every aspect of athletics, including but not limited to game day operations, budget, eligibility, team travel, hotel reservations, facility management, scheduling and hospitality.
“When I came back to TMU in 2011, I was reminded of Proverbs 16:9 — ‘A man plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps,’” Waldeck said. “The same is still true today.”
The awards luncheon and ceremony is scheduled to be held during the 2023 NAIA National Convention in New Orleans, March 30-April 3.
