Baker University Athletic Director Dan Harris has been chosen for induction into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame for meritorious service at the 2007 NAIA National Convention to be held in March in Kansas City, Mo.
Harris said the nomination is because of his extensive service for the NAIA.
“I was nominated for my work with the NAIA national office. I have served the NAIA in several capacities as chair of region V, as chair of the Council of Athletic Administrators and member of the National Coordinating Committee. I also was instrumental in the development of an emerging sport initiative to support the addition of new sports in the NAIA,” Harris said.
Baseball coach Phil Hannon has known Harris for 21 years and said he has shown a lot of dedication to Baker.
“He is committed, and he is loyal,” Harris said. “He wants what is best for Baker in general. Dan really has put together a good, hardworking athletic staff and program.”
Harris has overseen such projects as the newly renovated athletic complex and a more equitable athletic department for men and women.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is the improved success of our women’s programs,” Harris said. “Some of our women’s programs were successful in the ’80s, but dropped off in the ’90s. Our women’s teams are some of our most successful programs now.”
Harris said he was very excited to learn he was chosen for the NAIA Hall of Fame.
Baker faculty who have worked closely with Harris have taken notice of everything he has done in his career and are not surprised the NAIA has done so as well.
Hannon said with the coaching staff, Harris has given the coaches opportunities to better themselves as coaches, human beings and teachers.
Head football coach Mike Grossner said Harris is a great guy who works very hard at what he does.
“I think he is a people person,” Grossner said. “He is likeable, approachable and communicates well. He dives right into it and gets to the bottom of things and takes care of it.”
Grossner also said Harris provides strong leadership for all the athletic programs and will continue to do so.
Another improvement Harris made to Baker athletics is the development of new scholarship programs for Baker athletes.
Hannon said Harris got involved on the conference level, regional level and national level, and he made our region a standard of excellence.
With as much as Harris has given to the university, he said he has been given just as much.
“I really want to leave a legacy of love for Baker University. All the things I try to do are based on my passion for this place and the success and achievements that are accomplished by our programs,” Harris said. “I love this place and can’t imagine I could have accomplished all that I have accomplished or traveled all over the world with any other institution. Thank you Baker University and thank you, NAIA.”