NJCAA President establishes the Christopher & Anna Parker Student-Athlete Leadership Award

Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is proud to announce the creation of the Christopher & Anna Parker Student-Athlete Leadership Award, a new recognition established by NJCAA President and CEO Dr. Christopher Parker and his wife, Anna Parker.

The endowed scholarship has been created to recognize and support NJCAA student-athletes who exemplify leadership on their teams, campuses and communities, while embodying the NJCAA's core values of trust, integrity, accountability, and engagement.

Beginning in 2027, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving NJCAA student-athlete during the NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards, providing recognition for individuals whose leadership extends beyond athletic competition and positively impacts those around them.

"Leadership is one of the most valuable qualities a student-athlete can develop during their collegiate experience," Dr. Parker said. "Anna and I believe in the power of servant leadership and the lasting impact that student-athletes can have on their teammates, campuses and communities. It is our hope that this scholarship will recognize and encourage those who lead with character, integrity and a commitment to others."

The Christopher & Anna Parker Student-Athlete Leadership Award will honor student-athletes who have demonstrated:

• Exceptional leadership within their athletic program
• Meaningful contributions to their college community
• A commitment to the NJCAA core values of Trust, Integrity, Accountability, and Engagement
• A positive influence on teammates, peers and campus culture

The scholarship reflects the Parkers' commitment to the NJCAA mission and their belief in the transformative power of education, athletics and leadership development.

"The NJCAA experience helps shape future leaders," added Parker. "This scholarship is an investment in student-athletes who are making a difference today and who will continue making a difference long after their playing careers are over."

Additional information regarding nomination criteria, eligibility requirements and the selection process for the inaugural recipient will be announced at a later date at NJCAA.org.

The first recipient of the Christopher & Anna Parker Student-Athlete Leadership Award will be recognized at the 2027 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards in June 2027.

The recipient will be recognized along with the NJCAA David Rowlands Male and Betty Jo Graber Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2027 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame and Awards, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards

About the NJCAA Foundation

Established in 2018, the mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.

The Foundation's objectives include supporting the creation, growth and sustainability of two-year college athletic programs; providing funding for scholarships, community programs and national awards; telling the story of the NJCAA and increasing the exposure of two-year collegiate athletics; promoting diversity, equity and inclusion growth for all colleges and student-athletes; fostering character in student-athletes through fair, consistent rules and play; preparing students to further their education or workforce readiness; and providing the necessary resources for technology upgrades, organization operations, and opportunities for student-athletes through the NJCAA.

About NJCAA 

Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes with opportunities to prepare, compete, succeed, and achieve in both their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools, 60,000 athletes and 3,400 teams competing in 28 different sports. Each year, the NJCAA sponsors 57 national championships and invitationals. 

#SameGameSameRules – visit NJCAA for more information