2026 George E. Killian Award of Excellence
George E. Killian Award of Excellence
Since 2006, The George E. Killian Award of Excellence has been awarded annually to individuals that have demonstrated the ideals of voluntarism, achievement, service, leadership, and excellence as exemplified by its namesake. Only active Region Directors, Assistant Region Directors, Coaches Association Presidents, Presidential Representatives, and Officers are eligible for consideration with a minimum of two years of national service to the NJCAA. George E. Killian was one of the most influential leaders in the history of the Association. To view a list of past winners, visit: George E. Killian Award of Excellence Winners.
Dale Vos – NJCAA Region 12
Dale Vos devoted 34 years to St. Clair County Community College before transitioning to his current role as the NJCAA Region 12 Commissioner in January 2026. Vos is also the Treasurer on the NJCAA Board of Regents and the Chair of the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee. Vos was the Region 12 Men's Director for numerous years and has served on multiple other committees during his time in the NJCAA, including more than 20 years as the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Committee Chair.
At St. Clair County, Vos assumed many roles, including Athletic Director, Head Men's Basketball Coach, and Head Men's Golf Coach. He also served as the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Eastern Conference Chairman and the sports director for men's basketball in the conference. Beyond athletics, Vos was devoted to holistic student success as an adjunct professor, head of student government, and director of academic advising at SC4.
Vos has twice earned the MCCAA Athletic Director of the Year award (1997, 2016) and is a past recipient of the NACDA Regional AD of the Year in 2010. In 2016, he received the NJCAA Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award for his dedication and commitment to the association and in 2021 received the NJCAA Loyalty Award. Vos is also a member of the SC4 Hall of Fame, the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan (BCAM) Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Golf Hall of Fame.
Vos's recognition with the Killian Award for Excellence is a fitting tribute to a career defined by leadership and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes. "Dale has dedicated his career to serving others, positively impacting thousands of young adults during his time at SC4," Pete Lacey, Chief Partnership Officer/Senior Vice President at St. Clair County, said.
Dr. Myles Shelton – Galveston College (TX)
Myles Shelton committed five decades to his career in higher education, 18 of those years spent leading Galveston College. It was announced in August 2025 that Dr. Shelton will retire in August 2026. Since becoming President in 2007, he has guided Galveston through nearly two decades of growth and transformation. Dr. Shelton has been a member of the NJCAA Presidents' Commission for seven years and became the Presidents' Commission Southwest District representative on the NJCAA Board of Regents in 2022.
During his tenure, the college reached several key milestones, including the start of three bachelor's degree programs and the expansion of both academic and workforce education programs. Dr. Shelton has been recognized throughout his tenure for prioritizing access and affordability, while maintaining focus on student success outcomes. Galveston also saw expansion under Dr. Shelton's tenure through the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation wing of the Cheney Student Center in 2010 and the Seibel Foundation Student Residences in 2020. Aside from facility growth, Dr. Shelton prioritized the enhancement of the college's technological infrastructure, increased the college's financial resources, as well as broadening student support services.
Dr. Shelton's collaborative approach has brought together educators, business leaders, and public partners to create opportunities that extend far beyond campus. Dr. Shelton also served in leadership roles for various local, regional and state organizations, serving on the boards of the Galveston Economic Development Partnership, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Community Colleges. Prior to his time at Galveston College, Dr. Shelton was the President of Clarendon College and held numerous roles at Hill College. As he nears the conclusion of his presidency, Dr. Shelton's influence continues to resonate through the commitment he has shown to student success, institutional growth, and community partnership.
For all 2026 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2025-26 NJCAA Honors Announced
For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home