COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Longtime Mountain West staff member Carolayne Henry has been named the Dr. Albert C. Yates Distinguished Service Award winner for 2023-24.

Named in honor of the former Colorado State University president, the award is bestowed upon an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the Mountain West or a member institution; an individual who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the student-athletes enrolled at any member institution.

Only 15 individuals have earned the distinction throughout the Conference’s 25-year history. Henry is the first former MW staff member to claim the honor.

Serving the Mountain West since its inception, Henry wrapped up her 25-year MW career in June 2024, completing her tenure as the senior associate commissioner, governance and legal affairs. Henry also served as the Conference’s senior woman administrator.

Throughout her illustrious tenure, Henry served on numerous NCAA committees, representing the MW at the highest level. She served on the Academics/Eligibility Compliance Committee (1999-2003), the Reinstatement Committee, including two years as chair (1999-2005), the Division I Women’s Basketball Issues Committee (2001-03), the DI Management Council (2004-08), the DI Administrative Cabinet (2008-10), the DI Women’s Basketball Committee, including two years as chair (2009-14), the Two-Year Governance Review Working Group (2016-18), and the Federal and State Legislation Working Group (2019-21).

Additionally, Henry was active in Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators), serving on the board of directors from 2000-04 and again from 2008-11, including a term as president in 2010. She received the organization’s Nell Jackson Award in 2005.

Past Winners
2021-22: Janice Ruggiero, New Mexico; Lawrence Fan, San José State
2017-18: Dr. Jim Francis, Colorado State
2013-14: Marti Gasser, Air Force; Breda Bova, New Mexico
2012-13: Sally Roush, San Diego State
2010-11: Dr. Stephen Weber, San Diego State
2007-08: Barbara Burke, Wyoming
2006-07: Marsha Smeltzer, Colorado State; Larry Gerlach, Utah
2005-06: Rudy Davalos, New Mexico
2004-05: Elaine Michaelis, BYU
2000-01: LaVell Edwards, BYU
1999-00: Linda Estes, New Mexico

Note: Award may not be presented annually.

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