Athletics Director recognized as NAIA elite administrator

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Martin Methodist College Senior Athletic Director Jeff Bain has officially been selected as one of seven members to be inducted into the 2020 NAIA Hall of Fame, the national office announced Tuesday morning.

Bain, in his 28th season as an athletics administrator at Martin Methodist, enters the NAIA’s pantheon after nearly three decades of service to the student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans of Martin Methodist.

The awards luncheon and ceremony will be held during the 2021 NAIA National Convention in New Orleans, which takes place April 15-19, 2021.

During his tenure at UTS (formerly MMC), Bain helped lead or organize a great number of programs, most notably, UTS (formerly MMC)’s Sports Hall of Fame; UTS (formerly MMC)’s Governor Ned McWherter Award of Excellence; UTS (formerly MMC)’s Intercollegiate Athletic Policy and Procedure Manual; UTS (formerly MMC)’s acquisition of land and the building of athletic venues at the school’s East Campus Athletic Complex; UTS (formerly MMC)’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee; UTS (formerly MMC)’s Champions of Character Program; UTS (formerly MMC)’s Student Athlete Enhancement Program, UTS (formerly MMC)’s Sport Management academic and intern program; the development of creative marketing and funding opportunities for UTS (formerly MMC) sports; and the addition of ten intercollegiate sport teams.

Bain’s athletic programs have captured 30-plus athletic conference championships, as well as multiple NAIA National Championships.

Bain has been recognized by his peers 10 times for his leadership at UTS (formerly MMC), most recently as 2014-15 NAIA Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year.

In addition, he was awarded the 2013-14 Southern States Athletic Conference Athletic Director of the Year; as well as the TranSouth Athletic Director of the Year on five occasions.

Prior to joining UTS (formerly MMC)’s administration team, Bain served the State of Tennessee for 15 years as a classroom educator and football and track coach at Tullahoma High School, Farragut High School and Giles County High School.

—

“I am so thrilled for Jeff to be elected to the NAIA Hall of Fame. He has given so much to so many throughout his career both at Martin Methodist as well the entire NAIA community. Jeff is always willing to serve. Whether it be on a national committee or helping a fellow athletics administrator, Jeff always places others needs above his own. I can think of no one more deserving than Jeff Bain to be called a NAIA Hall-of-Famer.” – Dr. Darin S. Wilson, Associate Vice President of Athletics, Georgia Gwinnett College.

“I feel like Jeff is a true leader forever here at Martin Methodist College. With our athletes our coaches and the overall vision of Martin Methodist. I am extremely honored to have worked with him over the last 20 years. I hope I can excel and grow as he has to uphold the total mission of our college.” – Brandie Paul, Martin Methodist Athletic Director.

“It is really great to see someone who has been as dedicated to his job, the university and the community as Jeff has, for as long as he has, to receive this recognition. It’s well-deserved, and perhaps long overdue.” – Maurice Patton, longtime Middle Tennessee sports reporter.

“Jeff Bain has witnessed and helped lead 27 years of growth and change in Martin Methodist Athletics. He began in 1993 and was tasked with leading the college from a two-year college athletic program to a four-year college athletic program. Today Martin Methodist has 20 competitive teams and some of the finest athletic facilities among NAIA schools. Jeff Bain is known nationally for his leadership and innovation as an Athletic Director. He has built a tremendous legacy in college sports.” – Martin Methodist College President Dr. Mark La Branche.

“Congratulations to my good friend Jeff Bain upon his selection into the NAIA Hall of Fame. This is formal recognition of a leader who has been a Hall of Famer for quite some time in my book. In Jeff’s tenure at Martin Methodist, he has touched all the bases. He hired great coaches, gave them incredible support and put student-athletes in the best possible scenario to excel in life and along the way win -championships. Thousands of student-athletes have been directly touched by his and his staff’s work. He has represented his institution with class regionally and nationally and has a gift in engaging all of his consistent communities. This honor is beyond well deserved.” – Former University of Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton.

“Jeff Bain is one of those rare individuals who is capable of combining a great sense of professionalism, loyalty and dedication to his craft while also being a down-to-earth decent human being. Unlike so many in his line of work, Jeff is not driven by ego but rather passion and commitment, which is very refreshing.” – Mike Organ, longtime Tennessean sports reporter

Article Link: http://www.goredhawks.com/article/3767.php

Twitter: @RowdyRedHawk, @Bainology