KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has named Cindy Potter, Columbia College Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics, as a 2026 inductee into the NAIA Hall of Fame - Meritorious Service. Having served more than two decades in intercollegiate athletics at Columbia College, Potter adds the honor to her distinguished career.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, native has served in many roles throughout her intercollegiate career as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. Her collegiate athletic journey began at Three Rivers Community College before she transferred to Columbia College, where she competed as a student-athlete, earning her undergraduate and master's degrees. 

Potter served as a graduate assistant in sports information at Columbia College before accepting a full-time role as Sports Information Director. She has since advanced through every level of athletic administration — from Associate Athletic Director to Senior Deputy Director of Athletics to Interim Athletic Director — before being named Director of Athletics.

As Director of Athletics, Potter oversees one of the NAIA's premier athletic departments, supporting more than 350 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports. Under her leadership, Columbia College has earned nine consecutive American Midwest Conference Presidents' Cups while maintaining consistent Top 50 finishes in the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup standings. Potter has championed the NAIA's student-first mission by emphasizing competitive excellence, academic achievement, integrity and leadership development, while guiding the college through a rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape and investing in coaches, staff, facilities and student-athlete resources.

Potter's contributions have been recognized nationally. She is the first and only NAIA member inducted into the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Hall of Fame and the first and only NAIA member to serve as CSC President. She was also the first NAIA member — and remains the only female — to serve on the CSC Board, and the first and only female NAIA member to receive the organization's Warren Berg Award. Her additional honors include the NAIA Ike Pearson Award, the CSC Bud Nagle Award (also a first for an NAIA member), the CSC Rising Star Award and numerous NAIA-SIDA publication awards.

Beyond her awards and professional accomplishments, Potter has been deeply involved in NAIA governance and leadership throughout her career. She currently serves on the NAIA National Administrative Council, where she was recently elected vice chair and will ascend to chair in summer 2027. She previously served as vice chair of the Experience and Enhancement Committee and also served on the NAIA Council of Presidents.

A past president of NAIA-SIDA, Potter spent 16 years on its board, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to service and leadership within the association. She was also selected to serve on the inaugural R.I.S.E. Committee and was a member of the inaugural board of the NAIA Senior Women's Leaders group, helping support and advance leadership opportunities across the association.

What They're Saying:

"Induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame is a remarkable professional honor and an important recognition of Cindy Potter's many years of service to our student athletes. On behalf of Columbia College, I congratulate Cindy on this distinction and on being recognized by the NAIA alongside others who have made meaningful contributions to intercollegiate athletics." -  Dr. Toby Arquette, President of Columbia College

"Working alongside Cindy and her team only reinforced what I already believed—that she is one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in NAIA athletics. Her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to student-athletes make her more than deserving of this honor." - Chris Mitchell, Manager of District Communications & Transportation FOIA Officer

"Now in her 24th year at Columbia College and serving as Director of Athletics, Cindy has advanced through every level of athletic administration with distinction. From graduate assistant to Sports Information Director, Associate Athletic Director, Senior Deputy Director of Athletics, Interim Athletic Director, and now Director of Athletics, she has consistently led with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to student-athletes and the NAIA mission." - Meg Schebler, Commissioner Continental Athletics Conference

"Her professionalism and concern for the 'correct' role of athletics in higher education are qualities we should all aspire. Cindy is personable, confident, and cooperative. She has a great sense of humor, takes suggestions well, and has an inordinate ability to get along with people. Her character and personal traits are beyond reproach - she is dependable, well organized and energetic - there is no task she will not willingly complete!" - Valerie A. Beeson, AMC Eligibility Committee Chairperson