Cottey’s Dr. Maryann Mitts Wins Bob Burchard AMC Athletic Director of the Year Award
Written by Bruna Niederkorn, AMC Assistant Commissioner
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Cottey College Director of Athletics Dr. Maryann Mitts has been selected as the recipient of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Bob Burchard Athletics Director of the Year.
Named in honor of AMC Hall of Famer and former Columbia College Director of Athletics Bob Burchard, the award is presented annually to an outstanding athletics director based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of athletics administration, service to the conference, and service to the NAIA.
Dr. Mitts joined Cottey College as director of athletics in 2021 and has continued to elevate the Comets' athletics program through strategic leadership and student-centered initiatives.
During the 2025-26 year, she oversaw significant improvements to Cottey's athletics facilities, including the renovation of the student-athlete lounge with new flooring, furniture, and dedicated study space. She also strengthened the department's academic focus by launching a chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma and helping student-athletes achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.27.
Dr. Mitts further enhanced departmental resources through fundraising efforts that directly benefited Cottey's athletics programs and student-athletes.
Committed to professional development, she supported more than half of her coaching staff in attending professional conventions or earning certifications during the year. She also invested in staff growth through an annual retreat, a vocation seminar, and a CliftonStrengths workshop, helping foster a more connected and motivated department.
Her dedication to the NAIA Champions of Character program is reflected in Cottey's continued Gold Five-Star recognition. Dr. Mitts leads the institution's Leadership Launch program, which focuses on student-athlete leadership development, and coordinates two annual service days that engage the entire student-athlete population in servant leadership initiatives both locally and in Kansas City.
Under her leadership, athletics participation has grown to include 60 percent of Cottey's student body, the highest percentage in school history.
Cottey's teams delivered strong performances across multiple sports during the 2025-26 academic year. Three cross country student-athletes qualified for the NAIA National Championships, the track and field program earned All-America honors, and the softball team finished runner-up in both the AMC regular-season and conference championship while receiving votes in the NAIA national poll. Additionally, the college's newly added competitive cheer and archery programs completed their inaugural season of competition.
Beyond her work on campus, Dr. Mitts serves as Executive Chair of the AMC Board of Athletic Administrators.
What They're Saying:
"Through her integrity, vision, and perseverance, Dr. Mitts fosters a culture of excellence both in the classroom and throughout Cottey's athletic programs, creating meaningful opportunities for growth, achievement, and character development. Her ability to lead with compassion, inspire through action, and continually elevate the standard of athletics makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition. Her impact extends far beyond wins and championships; it is reflected in the lives she influences, the culture she cultivates, and the lasting legacy she is building for future generations." - Ashleigh Miller, Assistant Volleyball Coach/Assistant to the Director of Athletics at Cottey
"Dr. Mitts had led our athletic department through the rapid growth and development in the past few years. She had a vision that Cottey athletics would be the front porch of our college and that vision is now true. She is an amazing representation of what it means to be a Comet. She encounters adversity with a "keep going" mentality. She is a strong and consistent force who advocates for our athletes and athletics staff day in and day out. There is no one more deserving of this award for the countless hours that she puts in to make this athletics department better." - Gracie Travis, Head Athletic Trainer at Cottey
"The same leadership, vision, and energy that Maryann put into coaching her basketball teams has helped her build a solid athletics program and Cottey. She constantly looks for ways to increase the competitiveness of the Comets while serving Cottey's institutional mission by adding additional sports. Not only does that benefit Cottey, but it raises the bar across the conference." - Jill Harter, Assistant Vice President of Athletics at Health Sciences & Pharmacy
"Maryann's recognition by her peers is richly deserved. She is deeply committed to excellence in every area that matters—whether in the classroom, in the community, as a Champion of Character, in developing young women into the leaders of tomorrow, or on the field of play. Maryann embodies the very definition of a role model and mentor, and she demonstrates those qualities not only on the Cottey campus but throughout the entire American Midwest Conference. I can think of no one more deserving for the Bob Burchard AMC Athletics Director of the Year than Maryann Mitts." - Will Wolper, Commissioner at the American Midwest Conference
Up Next
Mitts is now eligible for the NAIA Athletics Director of the Year; the winner will be announced during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15.