Florence Rotary welcomed NKU Athletic Director Scott Eaton to their October 31st meeting at the Airport Hilton. Dr. Eaton entertained the Rotarians with a fast-paced recounting of NKU’s numerous scholastic and athletic achievements over the past “Decade of Excellence” at the University. He highlighted men’s and women’s team accomplishments in basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf, cross country, volleyball and cheerleading, noting that both the teams and the University’s facilities have been continually improving, and are prepared for an even brighter future.
Dr. Eaton told the Rotarians that Northern Kentucky University is a great place for student athletes. He listed 12 NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship recipients and 2 Top Eight Award Recipients among the accomplishments of team members. He added that the NKU Coaches and Student Athletes are involved with the Newport Intermediate School Adopt a Class program as part their commitment to community engagement. As part of the program each team makes monthly visits to their adopted class, and the students have an opportunity to visit the campus in return. An Olympic Day concludes the year with the entire school visiting the campus for a day of games, lunch and a tour of NKU. Dr. Eaton also reported that this year’s Halloween Hoopla drew 2340 youngsters to the Bank of Kentucky Center where they were entertained by student athletes, including intra-squad scrimmages by the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Dr. Eaton concluded his remarks with a summary of NKU’s preparations for a move to Division 1 status within the NCAA. He stated that the athletic programs have been ready for Division 1 since 2004, and that the University has been working to upgrade the facilities since then to qualify as a Division 1 school. The NCAA moratorium to reclassify as Division 1 expired in August 2011. Dr. Eaton reported that he hopes to make an announcement before the end of the year regarding NKU’s successful application to the NCAA.
Dr. Eaton came to NKU from Brown University in 1998, moving into the role of Athletic Director in 2009. Since taking that position Dr. Eaton has watched NKU win the 2010 Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Sports Trophy and capture back-to-back GLVC Commissioner’s Cup Awards. He has worked diligently to position the University for Division 1 status, and also played a key role in bringing the men’s basketball NCAA Division II Elite Eight tournament to NKU for the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 seasons. His dedication to the University and enthusiastic support of student athletes herald a promising future for NKU Athletics.
For information about the weekly meetings, guest speakers, and community service opportunities of the Florence Rotary Club, contact Pat Moynahan, president at amoynahan@insightbb.com or 859-802-0242. Visit the group’s website at www.florencerotary.org. Florence Rotary meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Airport Hilton Hotel in Florence.
Article submitted by Harry Chesnut.
