2025 Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award

Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award

Founded in 1959, the NJCAA Service Award is the most tenured honor handed out by the association. It is given to those - most often not an athlete - who have made significant contributions to two-year college athletics on a national level for an extended period of time. Annually, one Service Award can be reserved for a member of the media. In 2017, the NJCAA renamed the honor to the Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award in recognition of the 28 years of dedicated service by its third Executive Director. To view a list of past winners, visit: Mary Ellen Leicht Service Award Winners

Kevin Twait - Iowa Central Community College

Kevin Twait has worked at Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) since 1996, when he was hired as the Tritons' Head Football Coach. As head coach, Twait accumulated a 132-58 record, eight regional championships, and 10 bowl game wins.

"Kevin Twait represents all that is good about community college athletics and leadership. He has dedicated his life and career to ensuring young men and women become better sons, fathers, and husbands as well as daughters, mothers, and wives," Dr. Jesse Ulrich the President at ICCC said. 

Twait later transitioned into the athletic director role at Iowa Central. Under his leadership, he has led an athletic program with 33 teams and annually provides opportunities for over 1,000 student-athletes. He played a key role in overseeing the college's recent construction of a new outdoor athletic practice and training facility.

"In a time where the grass always looks greener somewhere else, Coach Twait planted his life, family, and career at Iowa Central and stayed loyal to its core mission and values," Dr. Ulrich said.

Wanda Bodey - NJCAA

Wanda joined the NJCAA National Office in 1994 and is currently its longest-serving employee. She originally joined the office as an administrative assistant and has worked to her current role as Senior Director for Compliance and Eligibility. 

Bodey helps oversee NJCAA member college eligibility and letter of intent systems. In addition, Bodey supports the executive committee, eligibility committee, region directors, and assistant regional directors on daily initiatives. 

"Wanda Bodey's contributions to the compliance and eligibility function at the National Office are unparalleled. Simply put, no person has served longer or helped more individuals. For nearly three decades, Wanda has been the trusted voice the membership sought out in times of need. When someone had a unique situation or needed help in a time crunch, Wanda was always who they sought out. This is as true today as it was years ago," co-worker and NJCAA Chief Legal Officer & Sr. Vice President of Internal Affairs Jeff White 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