The winners will be recognized during the 44th Annual NACDA Convention at the James J. Corbett Luncheon on Saturday, June 20 at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando. There are four geographic regions - northeast, southeast, central and west; while the membership is separated into seven categories - Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A); Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA); Division I (formerly Division I-AAA); Division II; Division III; NAIA; and Junior/Community Colleges, along with one International winner. One winner was selected in each of the seven categories.

NACDA Executive Director Mike Cleary explains the ADOY Award is essential because it highlights the efforts of athletics directors at all levels for their commitment and positive contributions to campuses and their surrounding communities.

"Our Honors and Awards Committee recognized a need for an award such as the AD of the Year," said Cleary, who oversaw implementation of the program to allow all NACDA Officers and Honors and Awards Committee members to participate in the awards process, should they be elected. "The program brings to light the exceptional jobs done by athletics directors across the country. These 29 winners exemplify that, providing us with a group of outstanding athletics directors who excel at their jobs."

Carpenter is in his 14th year as the Lee Athletic Director. A former two-time NCCAA All-American basketball player, he helped lead Lee to its first NCCAA national title in 1975 and in 1994 coached the Flames to the NCCAA national title. He currently oversees a highly successful athletic program at Lee.

Currently 13 teams take part in NAIA competition. During the 2008-09 season, eight teams reached national tournament competition and individuals from three other teams represented Lee in national events. In November, Carpenter looked on proudly as the Lee women's soccer team earned the university its first NAIA national title.

It is the second time Carpenter has been singled out as the Southeast Region AD Coach of the Year by NACDA. He earned the honor in 2000. Earlier this year, Carpenter was saluted by the NAIA as the National Athletic Director of the Year. He is a past president of the NAIA National Athletic Directors Association and currently serves on the National Administrative Council and served as the NAIA Region XIII chair for three years.

He and his wife, Cherri, have three children: Brittany, Ashley and Zachery, and three grandchildren.