NJCAA Insider - November 2017
REGION 12
Representing a large portion of the upper Midwest, Region 12 features 33 colleges across Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. The region is led by Dale Vos (men’s director) and Scott Barlow (women’s director) with the assistance of Tom Shaw (men’s assistant) and Callie Crawford (women’s assistant).
A closer look at Dale Vos – Region 12 Men’s Director
Since 2000, Dale Vos has served as the Region 12 Men's Director. In that time, Vos has worked diligently, serving on various committees to help improve the region and national landscape. His national committee involvement includes service on the committees for finance and budget, health and safety, Division II men’s basketball and Division II men’s golf.
In addition to being a region director, Vos – who also coaches the men’s basketball and men’s golf teams at St. Clair County (MI) – serves as the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Eastern Conference Chairman and the sports director for men’s basketball in the conference.
Vos has been honored as the MCCAA Athletic Director of the Year twice (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.
Vos earned his bachelor's degree at Alma College (MI) and his master's degree at West Virginia Wesleyan. He and his wife, Beth, are proud parents of Dane (17), Erin (17) and Zoey (14).
A closer look at Scott Barlow – Region 12 Women’s Director
Now in his 18th year as athletic director at Lakeland (OH), Barlow’s contributions to two-year college athletics have extended well beyond his institution. Since joining the NJCAA board of directors over a decade ago, Barlow has provided an exceptional level of service.
Barlow first joined the board of directors in 2003 with his election as Region 12 assistant women’s director before moving into the region director role in 2006. Adding to his extensive resume of service, Barlow has held the title of commissioner for the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) since 2002.
Also active outside the NJCAA, Barlow has made contributions as a NATYCAA officer and member of its executive committee.
Barlow's service to the NJCAA was honored in 2015 when he received the George E. Killian Award of Excellence.
Why do you recommend the NJCAA to student-athletes?
Dale: The NJCAA is a great opportunity for those looking for a chance to play the sport they LOVE. The two-year college setting is a great chance to get started in college academics and college athletics. A student can start at the NJCAA and go ANYWHERE.
Scott: The NJCAA offers an outstanding opportunity for students wishing to develop their academic base and athletic skills before moving on to a four-year college or the work force. It provides an affordable, challenging yet supportive environment to help maximize their opportunities for success.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Region Director?
Dale: The relationships with leaders from other regions, executive committee, and the national office. Working with those same leaders to make our organization special for the student-athletes and our member colleges.
Scott: I enjoy the opportunity to work with our distinct group of colleges in an effort to improve each other for the betterment of the conferences and the region. The people within the region are just outstanding people who really care about athletics and student welfare.
What do you enjoy the most about the NJCAA?
Dale: The opportunities we give to student athletes.
Scott: I enjoy the opportunity to work with so many amazing and diverse people across the country on a wide variety of issues. I find it very interesting and motivating to analyze issues from a wide variety of perspectives - which is essential to the success of the NJCAA.
Tell us something special about your region.
Dale: We are the largest DII region in the NJCAA with 33 members (and possibly growing) and 30 of those colleges have at least some DII sports.
Scott: Our region has three states (Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio) that are very different and extremely competitive with each other. With that said, I feel extremely honored to be involved with such a group that may want to beat you, but still cares and looks to help each other whenever needed.
What is your favorite sport and why?
Dale: Favorite to play now is golf - I just enjoy the time being out on the course....beautiful course, beautiful weather, good friends. I also enjoy the banter in golf. To watch - baseball; love the concept of no game clock, the strategy, and any ballpark on a summer day/night.
Scott: Depends on the time of year. From following my kids, right now it's girls soccer and women's hockey. I also love college football, basketball, and of course - my Red Sox!
