STEVE WALDECK

The Master’s University (Calif.)

The 2021 Charles Morris Administrator of the Year award winner is Steve Waldeck from The Master’s University. This honor, which was created in memory of the former NAIA Associate Executive Director Charles Morris, recognizes an NAIA member who has made significant contributions as an administrator of intercollegiate athletics, while also exemplifying the loyalty and enthusiasm that Mr. Morris had for the association.

A Master’s University alum, Steve Waldeck just completed his 11th year as an athletic administrator. His peers see his hard work and dedication to the university and his accolades reflect that. Waldeck was selected as the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Athletic Director of the Year in both 2015-16 and 2016-17. He currently represents the GSAC on the National Administrative Council (NAC), which establishes policies and procedures for the NAIA. His other involvement includes serving on the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship selection committee.

The Master’s University has continued a tradition of quality athletics under Waldeck’s leadership. In 2015-16, the Mustangs achieved their program’s best Director’s Cup standing by finishing 24th, garnering a position in the top 10% of NAIA athletic programs. The Mustangs’ five best years of Director’s Cup finishes have each occurred during Waldeck’s tenure.

During the last year, he took on an increased role with compliance and eligibility, with the change to a brand-new faculty athletic representative and a new registrar on campus in the same year. He was very involved in the training and partnering with the FAR to bring him up to speed. At TMU, he is involved in every aspect of athletics, including but not limited to gameday operations, budget, eligibility, team travel, hotel reservations, facility management, scheduling, and hospitality.

For 25 years, Steve’s professional experiences and personal interests have included a variety of athletic, sporting, and recreational administration within the setting of higher education. Throughout his career, Waldeck has fostered an environment for teamwork, communication, and leadership development, while recognizing that an organization’s strength is found when a team of people partner and share both the responsibility and accomplishments.

Steve is married to his wife, Glory, and together they have been blessed with four sons, Riley, Derek, Caleb, and Bodey. Each of their sons is involved in athletics, as two played college soccer, one is currently playing college basketball, while the youngest is a two-sport athlete with the Special Olympics of Southern California.