Terri Steeb-Gronau, Director of NCAA Division II, has been chosen as the 2011-12 recipient of the Division II Conference Commissioners’ Association’s Award of Merit.

The Award of Merit is the highest honor presented by the DII CCA and is reserved for those individuals who have made the most exceptional contributions to the entire NCAA Division II membership and Division II student-athletes.

Steeb-Gronau has been at the NCAA for 12 years, and began her role as Di rector of Division II in October of 2004. In her responsibilities, Terri works with various groups and committees within the Division II governance structure, including the Division II Presidents Council and Management Council.  She also manages the Division II budget and oversees the implementation of various Division II strategic initiatives, including the National Championships Festivals, communication and policy-making strategies and the division’s strategic plan.

Butch Raymond, president of the DII CCA said, "Terri has worked tirelessly to make continuous improvements to Division II and is always available to respond to questions from Commissioners or member institutions. She is a key contact for the DII CCA and we are thankful for her continued support."

Steeb-Gronau received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she was a four-year varsity letter winner in volleyball and received her Masters in Sports Administration and Facility Management from Ohio University. 

She was the recipient of the 2011 David Knight Award recognizing exceptional service and dedication to the Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA) and was a finalist for the 2010 Junior Achievement Best and Brightest Award. 

Additionally, she is a graduate of the 2009 NACWAA Leadership Enhancement Institute and the 2006 NACWAA/HERS program.  Terri is also a 2008 graduate of the Hoosier Fellows Program. 

Steeb-Gronau joins an impressive group of individuals who have received the DII CCA Award of Merit: Noel Olson, former Commissioner of the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (1998-89); Bob Vanatta, former Commissioner of the Sunshine State Conference (1999-2000); Fred Jacoby, former Commissioner of the Lone Star Conference (2000-2001); Sonny Moran, former Athletic Director at Morehead State (KY) University (2001-2002); Bill Moore, former Commissioner of the New England Collegiate Conference (2002-2003); Mike Racy, NCAA Vice President for Division II (2003-2004); Dr. Adam Herbert, former President of the University of North Florida (2004-2005); Dr. Kent Wyatt, former President of Delta State University (2005-2006); Don Landry, former Commissioner of the Sunshine State Conference (2006-2007); Dr. Charles Ambrose, former President of Pfeiffer University (2007-2008); Arend D. (Don) Lubbers, former President Emeritus of Grand Valley State University (2008-2009); Doug Echols, former SAC commissioner (2009-2010) and Tom Brown, former GLIAC Commissioner (2010-2011).