Columbia’s Dylan Carlton Selected for AMC Dr. LeRoy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character Nominee

Written by Bruna Niederkorn, AMC Assistant Commissioner

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Columbia College baseball student-athlete Dylan Carlton has been selected as the American Midwest Conference (AMC) nominee for the Dr. LeRoy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character. 

The Dr. LeRoy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character was named in honor of the former NAIA and U.S. Olympic Committee president, recognizing outstanding student-athletes for their academics, athletics, leadership, and dedication to living the core values of Champions of Character. This award was created in association with the National Sports Foundation. 

Carlton double majored, earning a Bachelor of Science in both Project Management and Management. He received the Presidential Scholarship and completed his MBA coursework while finishing his undergraduate degrees.

"I have come away impressed by his mature and measured approach to scholarship and learning. As a faculty member, I have come to appreciate students who are passionate about learning and serious about academic success. Dylan is a student who demonstrates academic discipline, rigor, and resolve in pursuing his goals. He has a sharp, highly analytical mind capable of high-level analysis. He is passionate about learning and has a plan for success in academic and professional life. Finally, Dylan was a classroom leader. He consistently took the lead for group projects in my courses and carried himself with maturity and professionalism while guiding and assisting his peers," said Colunbia's Associate Professor at the Robert J. Plaster School of Business.

On the field, Carlton was a four-time Academic All-Conference selection, earning both First Team and Second Team honors during his career. He was also a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and played a significant leadership role for Columbia College Baseball during the 2026 season.

"Dylan is an ideal model for the term student-athlete," said Columbia Head Baseball Coach Darren Munns. "His positive qualities go far beyond his academic and athletic resumes, which speak for themselves. Dylan has been a positive asset to our baseball program since the day he stepped on campus. His greatest attributes are his work ethic and dependability.  He has never been late, or absent, for any team functions during our relationship. This includes practices, games, conditioning sessions, study halls, and community service initiatives."

"Dylan's aforementioned work ethic and leadership are the prime reason he has been a successful college baseball player," concluded Munns.

Beyond the classroom and baseball field, Carlton demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others. He led community service initiatives at Columbia College by working with HEAD START, a government-assisted preschool program for underprivileged students, and volunteered at the Armory Recreation Center in Columbia. 

In addition, he spent multiple summers as a camp counselor for Cam Rhythm, a camp for children with heart conditions who require special medical attention, after once attending the camp himself as a camper.

"As soon as I met him for the first time, however, it was very clear to me that a different way of living was possible—a way that puts other people first. It is a way of living that does not take the joyful moments for granted, and a way that makes everyone else around him better simply due to being in the proximity of a pure heart," shared Stetson Marion, Baseball player at Columbia. "Dylan's way of life is so seamless and true that one cannot help but begin to model their behavior after his, even if subconsciously. That is how amazing Dylan is: he makes people around him better with an honesty and kindness that is so infectious you begin to incorporate it into your life without even knowing it."

Carlton also served on the Columbia College Student-Athlete Council, a select group of leaders from each team who coordinate communication between student-athletes and school leadership.

Following graduation, Carlton plans to use his degree in project management to build a career in the trades industry. He hopes to help improve efficiency and create solutions that make the work of skilled trades professionals easier while supporting an industry he deeply respects.

Up Next:

Carlton is now eligible for the NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Award Student-Athlete of Character, which will be announced during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15.