CLEVELAND – The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) is proud to announce Ken Kavanagh, former director of athletics at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), as the 2024 Gary Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. 
 
"I am more than humbled, especially given for whom the award is named after and personally knowing Gary and all the wonderful individuals this honor has previously been bestowed upon," said Kavanagh. "In particular, this is a collective recognition for the countless student-athletes and colleagues that I have been so blessed to have been able to work alongside these past four-plus decades."

Kavanagh, the second full-time athletics director in FGCU history, assumed his role in June 2009 after serving 13 years at Bradley University. His appointment by FGCU President Dr. Wilson G. Bradshaw marked the beginning of a transformative era for the university's athletics program.

Throughout his tenure, Kavanagh was a beacon of leadership in college athletics, earning recognition as a NACDA Athletics Director of the Year three times, most recently in 2018-19. He also was one of the founders of the DI-AAA ADA when it was formed in 2001 and served as its president in 2011-12 and as a long term member of its Officers group and Executive Committee.

Under Kavanagh's guidance, he led the Eagles to their transition to Division I, where FGCU achieved unprecedented success, securing 97 conference titles - 61 regular season and 35 tournament - and 49 combined NCAA Tournament appearances from 2011-12 across 10 sports. Eight of the programs achieved at least one victory, including men's basketball's historic run as the first 15^th seed to make a Sweet 16 appearance with their 2013 "Dunk City" squad. Eleven of their 15 programs also earned first-ever national ranking distinctions.

In addition to athletics achievements, Kavanagh oversaw remarkable academic accomplishments, with FGCU student-athletes achieving record GPAs and earning prestigious scholar-athlete distinctions.

Kavanagh's commitment to community service was also remarkable, with FGCU contributing nearly 80,000 hours of service over the past 15 years. This dedication to service earned FGCU recognition as a finalist for national community service awards.

Prior to his tenure at FGCU, Kavanagh enjoyed a successful career at Bradley, where he oversaw notable achievements in both athletics and academics, including the Braves men's basketball team making the Sweet 16 in 2006. He played a pivotal role in elevating Bradley's athletics facilities and establishing programs to support student-athlete development.

Kavanagh's passion for athletics administration stems from a familial connection, with both his uncle (former AD at Loyola University Maryland) and father having played key roles in his
development. He has also been actively involved in civic organizations, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement.

Overall, Kavanagh's tenure at FGCU and Bradley have left an indelible mark on both institutions, showcasing his unwavering dedication to excellence in collegiate athletics and academic achievement.

About Division I-AAA ADA: Now in its 23rd year, the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance initiatives common to its Division I-AAA membership (non-football institutions), in particular, aspects related to their flagship basketball programs. For more information on the Division I-AAA ADA, please visit www.div1aaa-ada.com. The Division I-AAA ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 59th year. For more information on NACDA and the 18 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.