2025 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.

Alison Mohr - Daytona State College (FL)

Alison Mohr is in her 26th year at Daytona State College (FL). She began as an intern in the Fall of 1998 and has served in multiple roles, including athletic specialist and co-head Softball Coach before being named the Associate Director of Athletics in 2021.

"Alison is a hard-working and trusted colleague, and it has been rewarding to watch her develop and grow into her current Associate Athletic Director position here at Daytona State," said Daytona State College Athletic Director Will Dunne.

Mohr serves as the NJCAA Region 8 Women's Assistant Director. In addition, Mohr sits on the Division I Women's Golf Committee and Division I Softball Committee and is the chair of the NJCAA Women's Flag Football Committee. She also serves on the Championship Events and Sports Governance committee.

Early in her career, she was involved in the FCSAA's Council for Athletic Affairs (CAA) and earned the opportunity to get involved with the CAA leadership in 2016 when she was elected as the Mid-FL Conference Chair. Mohr has been the Chair of the Region 8 Softball Committee since 2018.

"Her ambitious character and acceptance of various roles on campus, in the FCSAA and NJCAA, is reflective of her desire to serve others and make a positive difference for students, our institution, and the FCSAA and NJCAA. We are proud that Alison is a Falcon and is being recognized with the George Killian Award of Excellence," Dunne said.

Kurt Kohler - Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC)

Kurt Kohler has served as the Executive Director of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference since February 2021.

"Kurt is the consummate professional in his role within NJCAA Region XIII and as Executive Director of the MCAC.  He has done a fantastic job of representing the entire Region and putting the best interests of the Region above any one institution," Rochester Community & Technical College Director of Athletics Mike Lester said.

Before the MCAC, Kohler spent time at a handful of NJCAA Member Colleges. He was Allen Community College's (KS) Head Volleyball Coach, assistant athletic director, and interim athletic director. Kurt was the Head Volleyball Coach at Barton Community College (KS) before being named the athletic director, a role he served for three years. He would become the Dean of Student Life and Athletics for four years at Northeast Community College (NE) before becoming the Executive Director of the MCAC in 2021. 

On the national level, Kohler is in his first year as Board of Regents Representative for Region 13. Kohler serves as the Region 13 Men's Director. Kohler is the chair of the NJCAA Division III Volleyball Committee, Men's Volleyball Committee, and Clay Target Shooting Committee and serves on the Division III Football Committee.

"He has been a fantastic resource for coaches, administrators, and others, providing invaluable insight and an in-depth understanding of NJCAA policies and procedures.   Kurt is passionate about his work representing the Region, and his dedication has had a lasting impact on our students, coaches, and athletic administrators," Lester said.

For all 2025 NJCAA Honors and Annual Award Winners, visit: 2024-25 NJCAA Award Winners

For all NJCAA Honors, please visit: NJCAA Honors Home