CLEVELAND - The Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) is proud to announce that Clyde Doughty Jr. has been selected posthumously as the 2026 recipient of the Charles Whitcomb Service Award, the Association's highest honor recognizing transformational leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion across intercollegiate athletics. 

The MOAA Charles Whitcomb Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in college athletics. Recipients embody a distinguished record of: 

• Creating welcoming, inclusive environments where individuals of all identities feel valued and supported; 
• Demonstrating outstanding effort in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of a high-quality and diverse staff; 
• Establishing structured measures and proactive engagement strategies that foster education, dialogue, and understanding around diversity and inclusion; 
• Developing initiatives that significantly improve campus climates for underrepresented groups. 

This award celebrates leaders who—like Charles Whitcomb himself—elevate the profession through integrity, advocacy, and a commitment to building opportunity for all. 

Honoring the Legacy of Clyde Doughty Jr. 
Clyde Doughty Jr.'s life and career embodied the spirit of the Whitcomb Award. A deeply respected athletics administrator, Doughty championed inclusion not as an initiative, but as a culture—one grounded in dialogue, education, and unwavering care for student-athletes and colleagues. 

A Leader Who Built Inclusive, Student-Centered Communities 
Throughout his career, Doughty created intentional spaces where student-athletes could grow—personally, academically, and socially. He fostered environments where difficult conversations could occur with respect and purpose, encouraging student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to discuss identity, leadership, and social responsibility. His signature initiatives such as A Conversation on Diversity, DEI-focused workshops, and Mind, Body & Soul programming exemplified his belief that inclusion must be active and sustained. 

He amplified student-athlete voices—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—ensuring their lived experiences shaped policies, programs, and departmental culture. His emphasis on holistic development strengthened campuses and athletic communities, enabling every student-athlete to thrive. 

A Champion for Equity in Hiring and Staff Development 
Doughty's leadership extended beyond student support to systemic change. He prioritized equitable recruitment and hiring, working to ensure diverse and representative applicant pools, fair processes, and values-driven decision-making. He nurtured staff through mentorship, professional development, and collaborative environments that centered respect and continuous learning. His influence reached not only his own departments but peers across the CIAA and national landscape.  

Programs That Became Pillars of Inclusion 
His vision led to the development of impactful, enduring initiatives—Experience in Community and Character, A Conversation on Diversity, DEI workshops, CIAA Mind, Body & Soul, and CIAA Unity in Action, among others. These programs elevated inclusion from aspiration to lived reality.  

A Loss Felt Across the Athletics Community 
Doughty's passing earlier this year sent shockwaves through the athletics community. 
Bowie State University announced his unexpected death on February 3, 2026, honoring his 11 years of transformative leadership and competitive success across numerous CIAA championships.  
The CIAA likewise shared a heartfelt statement recognizing Doughty—its Management Council Chair—as one of the most beloved figures in conference history, celebrating his humility, joy, and deep commitment to people.  

His legacy continues to resonate throughout Bowie State, the CIAA, and the broader collegiate athletics community. 

A Legacy Worth Celebrating 
Clyde Doughty Jr.'s life was defined by service, inclusion, and the belief that athletics can serve as a profound platform for personal growth and community connection. His leadership exemplified the values of the Charles Whitcomb Service Award, and MOAA is honored to recognize him for a career that elevated countless lives. 

MOAA will celebrate Clyde Doughty Jr. and present the 2026 Whitcomb Award posthumously at the 2026 MOAA Symposium.
 

About the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association: Administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association promotes equitable employment opportunities for minorities in the athletics industry through the exchange of ideas, the creation of networking opportunities and the avocation of an increase in employment for minorities in athletics administration positions at all levels of the sports industry. The association also promotes cultivating a sports environment that supports the values necessary to accept aspiring professionals from all walks of life. For more information on the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, please visit www.moaaweb.com.