KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Central Missouri’s Associate Athletic Director Jeff Mason has been selected by MIAA athletics directors as the Association’s first-ever Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award.

Established by the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association in 2023, the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award seeks to recognize a young MIAA administrator or coach who embodies the principles and core values of the MIAA and its membership – fair competition, academic success and service to others.

The Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award is named in honor of Jerry Hughes, the long-time University of Central Missouri Director of Athletics who passed away in January 2023.

Like Hughes, this individual consistently makes a positive, lasting impact on the lives and experiences of student-athletes, coaches, fellow administrators, community members, and other institutional stakeholders.

“It is a great tribute to Jerry's legacy that a staff member from Central Missouri has been selected as the Association's first Rising Star Award winner,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. “Jerry would be very proud of Jeff's accomplishments."

As the Associate Athletic Director for External Relations, Jeff Mason oversees the development, athletic communications, creative content, marketing, sponsorship and promotions, ticketing and licensing and trademarks areas for UCM Athletics. He is also the sport administrator for the Mules and Jennies golf teams as well as the Jennies volleyball team.

"It's an honor to be recognized by MIAA athletic directors with the inaugural Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award," said Mason. "I'm grateful to the MIAA leadership and athletic directors for continuing Jerry Hughes' legacy through this award. His impact in our league, NCAA Division II, and beyond was immeasurable and will inspire coaches and administrators for years to come. I can only hope the work ahead exemplifies Jerry's passion for making a difference for student-athletes, coaches, and colleagues."

Mason has been with UCM Athletic Department since 2013 and previously served as an Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations before being promoted in August 2023.

Mason also completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Central Missouri, was a graduate assistant within the department and has progressed through the ranks from entry-level employee to senior-level administrator.

“There is no one more fitting of this recognition than Jeff Mason, who personally learned and benefited from Jerry Hughes’ positive leadership, mentoring, and incredible work ethic. Because of these characteristics, Jeff carries on Jerry’s legacy,” said Matt Howdeshell, UCM Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “Also, because of Jeff’s diverse experience, he has been involved with, or had a leading role in many impactful achievements including facility enhancements, record fundraising, enhanced sponsorship revenue, and numerous championships, all of which have directly impacted our student-athletes.

Mason will be presented the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award at the 2024 MIAA Basketball Championships in Kansas City. The tournament, presented by Southern Bank, is March 6-10 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

For more information on the Jerry Hughes Rising Star Award, visit TheMIAA.com/RisingStarAward.